# Make a GMO -- https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/how-to-make-a-gmo/ *How to make a GMO* ==BRIEF: Creatively depict, describe and visualize a ‘Designed experiment’ that encompasses class concepts, notes and explores the Scientific method and its processes of hypothesizing, developing and testing. The depiction could be in any form of a poster / diagram / info-graphic or any other media. It should creatively depict the impacts of a newly conceived ‘Genetically Modified Organism’ in the world.== ## **-but do you really want to live forever?** Let's envision a tomorrow where mortality is no longer an immutable certainty, where science and genetics intertwine to challenge the boundaries of life itself. In this speculative scenario, we will explore the possibility of conquering death through genetic modification. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) emerge as protagonists in this narrative, designed with the bold intent to surpass the barriers of aging and unlock the gates to a form of immortality. As we venture into this uncharted territory, we will examine not only the potential scientific feats but also the ethical complexities and existential questions that arise when challenging one of the most fundamental aspects of the human condition: finitude. Yet, all of this, assuming existential threats don't reach you first. << Investors include Jeff Bezos, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and controversial billionaire Peter Thiel. The super-rich fund it, and the very wealthy benefit from it – visiting the increasing number of luxury spas and clinics worldwide to undergo treatments. They call it longevity, but it’s hard not to think of the science as a modern version of the quest for the Holy Grail. The reward? Eternal life. >> Thom Waite (5th October 2023 ). Forever Young: The Secretive World of Immortality Science. Dazed Digital. Understanding the different perspectives and goals in the field of research related to longevity and aging. **Anti-Aging Science:** - Objective: Aims to extend people's life expectancy and improve health in old age. - Focus: Concentrates on developing interventions and therapies that delay the aging process, promoting a healthier life for a longer time. **Immortality Science:** - Objective: Aims to completely eliminate death, making it more controversial and, in many cases, more speculative. - Focus: Could include more radical ideas and theories, such as transferring consciousness to non-biological systems or extreme genetic manipulation. **Life Expectancy vs. Healthy Life Expectancy:** - Life Expectancy: Simply refers to extending the number of years one lives. - Healthy Life Expectancy: Focuses on extending the years in which one can stay comfortable and active within their life. To develop my GMO, I will focus on the science of immortality. ## ***Step 1: Identify a trait of interest*** **1. "transdifferentiation"** "Transdifferentiation" is a process in which a cell directly transforms into another cell type without going through an intermediate undifferentiated stage. In other words, a specialized cell can change its identity and function directly to another cell type without fully reverting to a stem cell state. This phenomenon highlights the cellular plasticity and versatility, showcasing cells' ability to change identities during development, with significant implications for tissue regeneration and repair in various organisms. - The Turritopsis dohrnii, commonly known as the "immortal jellyfish" or "Benjamin Button jellyfish," stands out for its unique ability to reverse its development to the polyp stage after reaching adulthood as a jellyfish. Theoretically, this allows it to repeat this cycle indefinitely. This "transdifferentiation" ability has spurred research into the genetic and molecular processes behind its regeneration. - The ability of transdifferentiation in sea urchin larvae highlights cellular plasticity and the versatility of cells in their ability to change identity and function during development. - Salamanders have an exceptional ability to regenerate lost limbs. During this process, cells in the injured limb can undergo transdifferentiation to form specific cell types necessary for tissue regeneration, such as muscles, bones, and nerves. - Planarian worms are known for their incredible regenerative capacity. If cut into pieces, each fragment has the ability to regenerate into a complete organism. During this process, cells in the fragment can undergo transdifferentiation to form the various structures of the body. **2. NAD+** NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an essential molecule that plays a crucial role in numerous cellular and metabolic processes. It acts as a coenzyme in key reactions, particularly in electron transfer during energy generation in cells. Additionally, NAD+ is involved in the regulation of important cellular processes, such as DNA repair and cell signaling. Its proper balance is fundamental for the normal functioning of cells and overall health. ## ***Step 2: Isolate the genetic trait of interest*** However, so far, no information has been found about the specific gene or set of genes directly responsible for the color change in response to environmental factors such as air pollution. At this point, if we were to proceed with creating this Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), we would need to wait for the identification of the gene. Since this exercise is conducted at a conceptual level, we will imagine its existence and proceed with the design of our GMO. ## ***Step 3: Insert the desired genetic trait into a new genome*** The completion of the process of a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) involves verifying the genetic modification, selecting and cloning modified cells, controlled cultivation and development, comprehensive performance and safety testing, regulatory evaluation, and government approval. Once approved and deemed safe, the GMO can be introduced into the intended environment or utilized for its specific purpose, such as agriculture, research, or food production. This process is subject to strict regulations and ethical considerations to ensure safety and minimize potential negative impacts. # References: --- https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/60862/1/forever-young-secretive-immortality-science-bryan-johnson-david-sinclair-nad Dazed Beauty: Inside the secretive world of immortality science https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthandlifeexpectancies/articles/lifeexpectancycalculator/2019-06-07 Dazed Beauty : Why did people in the past look so much older? https://www.ahlresearch.org/ Academy for Health and Lifespan Research. https://www.sens.org/ SENS Research Foundation. https://www.rlecoalition.com/ Coalition for Radical Life Extension. https://unitybiotechnology.com/ Unity Biotechnology. https://sierrasci.com/ Sierra Sciences https://www.lifebiosciences.com/ Life Biosciences https://altoslabs.com/ Altos Labs https://www.calicolabs.com/ Calico. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/magazine/can-a-jellyfish-unlock-the-secret-of-immortality.html Can a Jellyfish Unlock the Secret of Immortality? https://fortune.com/2023/05/23/bryan-johnson-tech-ceo-spends-2-million-year-young-swapping-blood-17-year-old-son-talmage-70-father/ blood boys https://fortune.com/2023/05/23/bryan-johnson-tech-ceo-spends-2-million-year-young-swapping-blood-17-year-old-son-talmage-70-father/ human hibernation https://www.elcorreo.com/xlsemanal/conocer/envejecimiento-bryan-johnson-millonario-salud.html Bryan Jhonson https://blueprint.bryanjohnson.com/ Blueprint Bryan Johnson https://sinclair.hms.harvard.edu/people/david-sinclair David Sinclair Harvar Medical School https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/60036/1/sleepy-scientists-exploring-human-hibernation-torpor-mice-space-travel Human hibernation may soon be a reality https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/02/health/reverse-aging-life-itself-scn-wellness/index.html CNN Heath : The ‘Benjamin Button’ effect: Scientists can reverse aging in mice. The goal is to do the same for humans. https://www.technologyreview.com/2007/08/15/224308/the-enthusiast/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5107309/ Slowing ageing by design: the rise of NAD+ and sirtuin-activating compounds https://alphafold.ebi.ac.uk/ https://deepmind.google/ Deep Mind https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39120-1 Discovery of senolytics using machine learning https://www.instagram.com/p/CnU5Q-rO-g5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3