Hi Folks,

I got this email from Gavin – an old friend from Linlithgow – yesterday. He’s commenting on the results coming from the Human Genome Project lead by Dr Francis Collins.

The comment that got my attention was:

"Scientists in this field are estimating the first person to reach 150 years old is probably in his or her 50’s or 60’s!"

Well that could be me – since I’m 53, and it set me wondering…..

What do you make of it? Do you find it credible? Good news? Bad news?

What implications to you see – for…

• yourself? Your family?
• social conditions in this country?
• employment, recreation, & health services?
• the church? Christian service?

Best regards,

Ken Johnstone 

 —– Original Message —– 

From: Gavin Cargill

Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 5:11 PM

Subject: The Human Genome Project… life expectancy due to increase dramatically within 10 years!

Hi Folks

Dr Francis Collins was the head of the Human Genome Project. He jointly presented the findings at the White House beside President Clinton. I was given his most recent book in the summer and found it absorbing.

This week he was interviewed on a programme on BBC 4 called "Visions of the Future" presented by Dr Michio Kaku.

The implications of the writing of the DNA code unfolded in an extraordinary and challenging way.

In summary the follow on medical research has already produced amazing results. A dramatic example was show of a child born three years ago with a severe combined immune deficiency which resulted in the child on being able to survive only inside a germ free bubble. The life expectancy was very short.

As a direct result of the Human Genome research the doctors discovered a rogue gene and they were able to conduct a bone marrow transplant to restore the immune system.

The film of this child leading a normal life was testimony to the power of the discovery.

Francis Collins went on to explain the projects that were now underway into cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

In cancer research alone there are12500 separate genome projects. He further explained that with the exponential rate of technological advance, answers would be found to the cause of these diseases within 3-5 years!

The implications of this research are vast and have many ethical challenges.

However the most remarkable possibility of all emerged when it was forecast that a dramatic increase would take place in quality life expectancy within ten years.

Now get this!

Scientists in this field are estimating the first person to reach 150 years old is probably in his or her 50’s or 60’s!

Think about it. At my tender age of 61 I may have another 60 years of quality life left! (My wife has packed her bags!)

Work it out for yourself, be pessimistic and say you now have a life expectancy of 120 years. What changes would that bring to mind?

Thoughts would be appreciated!

Have a great week end!

Gavin