The Immortality Edge is a wonderful book centered around the Nobel winning science of telomeres. The authors take us down a path, introducing us to the science of telomeres, starting in 1984 and ending up in 2009 with a Nobel Prize. We are introduced to the scientists and their work is explained in detail. We learn the different effects on the body as telomeres begin to shorten – a sign of aging – and why the science is so important. Finally the aging process becomes much more clear, with the clarity we can develop tools a to keep many of its nasty results at bay.
The Nobel Prize
The early work was done by two individuals at UCLA and one geneticist at Harvard, Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak respectively. Their early work not only identified multiple base pairs at the ends of chromosomes called telomeres but also that as the cells divided telomeres shortened. At a certain length the cell can no longer divide, leading to many of the symptoms of aging.
They also noted a substance that would lengthen the telomeres, this was labelled telomerase. If one could stimulate telomerase and lengthen the telomeres than life could be without limit. In theory this is sound but as explained in the book there are other factors involved including supplements, nutrition and exercise. That being said you now see why the world will never be completely over run with people, at least any more than it is now.
Supplements, Nutrition and Exercise
The Immortality Edge provides step by step explanation of all the things you need to know about a healthy life style. One that will keep your telomeres as long as possible without premature shortening and ultimately a shorter life. The supplement section has excellent explanations of the things needed and why, including vitamins, minerals and pre-hormones. Finally the exercise section will help you plan a workout that will keep those telomeres as long and healthy as possible.
TA-65
This review would not be complete without mentioning TA-65 and its effect on telomerase and ultimately lengthening of the telomeres. The authors make a good case of the need to add all these things together to come up with a plan to keep telomeres at their best and improving and possibly lengthening ones lifespan.
Read the book and implement its strategies to keep your telomeres and long and healthy.
The Immortality Edge is available through Amazon on this website.
