*By Dr Devan “Immortality” can mean different things depending on whether we talk about biological immortality (a body that doesn’t age or decay), digital immortality (consciousness uploaded to machines), or medical immortality (being able to repair and regenerate indefinitely). Here’s what science suggests right now: 1. Biological Immortality Certain organisms like hydra and some jellyfish show negligible senescence (they don’t age). Scientists are studying their DNA repair and cellular renewal mechanisms. Advances in gene editing (CRISPR), telomere extension, and senolytics (drugs that remove old cells) suggest humans might dramatically slow aging within this century. Optimists like Aubrey de Grey predict that the first humans to live 1,000 years may already be alive today, but most scientists are cautious — true biological immortality is not foreseeable before the 22nd century (if at all). 2. Digital Immortality AI, brain mapping, and neural interfaces are progressing. Efforts ...
Bengaluru: Long back in the early 1970s, or more than 52 years ago, a teenage student was studying at the Basel Mission High School in Dharwad, Karnataka. He was a smart boy, diligent both in studies and sports activities, like most of his close friends and classmates. No sports were untouched! Apart from being studious & naughty, he was equally, if not more, involved in a variety of sports activities. If his classmates were found playing cricket during the lunch break, he would definitely be found around them. Likewise, the case was similar to that of football and hockey. Apart from the games on the fields, he was also seen keenly playing racquet games, Table Tennis, Badminton and also indoor games, Carom, and Chess. Perhaps, there was no indoor or outdoor game then, which he was not into. But the interesting part was not that, as he wasn't playful just for the heck of it. He was thoroughly immersed in whatever he did, and it was a delight to watch him completely committed t...