Stem Cells And Life Extension

[lamdgt]

Due to the hayflick limit, after 40 to 60 divisions, the telomeres would be so short that they won't be able to divide anymore, and as far as I have understood, this is one of the main reasons why humans age, and ultimately, die. (Please correct me if I'm wrong about this.)

If we were to use safely keep the embryonic stem cells from the umbilical cord, and invent some kind of surgery that would allow you to replace a lot of your cells with stem cells, which would create new, young cells aroung you with normal length of the telomeres, wouldn't this, in theory, extend human life?

[El_Machinae]

It is not just cell division and telomeres, because many of our cells don't really divide all that much. Skin divides throughout your life, but heart tissue turns over very slowly (and maybe never completely). However, yes, replacing old tissue with young tissue, if done gently enough, should extend lifespan.

[DesmondShark]

Trying to extend your age by manipulating telomeres and re-engineering DNA is a troublesome method of reaching immortality. Your better off replacing your organs with fresh ones grown from existing tissue, or mechanical ones (assuming) they surpass our own functioning meat-parts.

check out the Methuselah club.

[bharatbuk]

Researcher highlighting following statement:
As we age,we all would benefit from infusion of youthful stem cell selected to have few DNA mutation.We would get stronger immune system,less risk of anemia,and stronger bones.The development of genetically sound and youthful stem cell for all the stem cell reservoirs of the body would partially reverse aging and increase life expectancies.