Still Alex

The other night I watched Still Alice, fabulous movie on struggle with the Alzheimer disease. Julienne Moore diserves every single acting award in this planet for the leading role. I am not going to discuss the movie, something else is there for me to say.


If you haven't seen it, you may do it online (for info purpose only) by clicking the link below (link available after 5 seconds delay):
http://www.any.gs/CNURt



It made me think a little bit on the life with a disease, whatever it was, and the possibility to change the broken part in human body. No, I'm not talking about genetic engineering and modification, although I don't consider it bad a priori, but what my friend Natasha Vita-More calls Transhumanism. What most of the opponents call the new belief system of the wealthy westcoasters, is actually an improvement of our life cycle and possibilities in it by the means of different forms of science.

I don't blame you if, at this very moment, you hear Terminator's Hasta la vista, baby but hold on, keep reading to see why it isn't that.


Today's world contains many mysteries modern science can not decipher. Life span, use of brain, cell renovation, belief concept, the soul, death experience are just a few. But, way to many things it did: look at all the illnesses that used to be fatal just few decades ago. Look at the fact that average lifespan in ancient Greece was thirty something. AIDS and some forms of cancer became a chronic disease. The mapping of human genome opened the door to eternal life...OK, not the eternal, who would like to live forever, I mean, imagine all the problems it would cause, this life would become a repetitive thing with all places visited, living in overpopulated cities, all food tried out, all fashion worn out, all movies already seen, all music already remixed. All faces seen. Same old, same old.

Fun fact: Only humans have genetic dark matter that scientists may believe is unidentified living organism.

So, the latest trick is not the magic pill that will turn you into a freak from Death becomes her, but the development and improvement of evolution itself. The changeable body parts. 3D printed organs. DIY cosmetic surgery. Nano tech machinery doing operations in our bodies. Chemical and mechanical treatment of all imperfections. Am I going too far? You don't feel comfortable? Don't worry, you aren't the only one :-)

What I learned from the LA-based body hackers, the Cyberpunk Apocalypse, was that there is a chemical substance they put in the eyes for the excellent night vision. Genetic engineering might make new breeds of human form, that won't need 8 hrs of sleep, or won't need this much food. Indian gurus and yogis live on handful of rice a day, showing a great example. And if you think it is just impossible for you to cut the pizzaburgerchickentomyam see this guy who didn't have it for 70 years.

Yup, he didn't eat or drink since the childhood, and scientists couldn't understand his vital process after two examinations. They had put him onto two-weeks tests, kept him locked in hospital room. No signs of food or anything similar. No, he doesn't drink either. Now, you tell me what we got here (Note: please spare me of toilet humor and conspiracy theories).
Is there a formula within us for life extension, or, at least, life with less illnesses? Is our intake of food, air, cosmetics, clothes and news really THAT toxic?
So, maybe we don't need latest gadgets to get the superpowers, maybe it's within us, we just have to find the proper path to wake it up. So before we all get the final stage of immortality only cryonic freeze* remains. Until then, keep taking your spoon of baking soda every night, might help.

* Sorry to disappoint you, but Walt Disney wasn't the man. See here