Features
- Cover Type: Hard Cover with 224 pages
- Published by: Columbia University Press April 15, 2002
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0231116721
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0231116725
-
Book Dimensions:
8.9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
- Weighs: 15.2 ounces
Product Review
"An informative and engaging examination of ageing and the meaning of death thought-provoking." --
Booklist"Very readable recommended." --
Choice"Undeniable expository extreme proficiency substantial." -- F. Gonzalez-Crussi,
Commonweal"Advances in the field of genetics have exponentially increased our understanding of how the body ages Benecke surveys the most recent research in the field in order to assess those possibilities." --
Science News"Benecke's discussion of research on the genetics of aging and death handles the technicalities of DNA research in some of the most readable, engaging terms [L]ively and imaginative, [t]he book's achievement is that it hooks us on the question of immortality." -- Walter Donway,
Cerebrum"This book shotguns a significant target and its style will fuel inquisitive minds." -- Clive Evans,
British Society for Developmental Biology"A good read for the scientist and non-scientist alike. Benecke's fluent, narrative style carries the reader through the five chapters of the book, covering a wide range of subjects along the way the book provides the general reader with a 'good taste' of the various aspects that may influence human life and death." -- Efstathios S. Gonos,
European Molecular Biology Organization"Benecke explores the possibility of extending current life even further through cloning, organ and brain transplants, live cell therapy and deep freezing of humans for reawakening in a future age." -- Ted Ruhig,
San Diego Escondido News
Product Description
Mark Benecke provides an entertaining investigation into the biological meaning of life and death and the prospects for extending human longevity, or even achieving immortality. Discussing the biological basics of why death exists as well as the various ways humans cope with a finite life span, Benecke looks at alternative ways for extending our lives through such technologies as cloning, organ and brain transplantation, and live cell therapy. Maintaining a skeptical attitude to many of the claims and counterclaims made by countless experts, Benecke has written a book that both challenges and informs.
Reader ReviewsI bought this book hoping that it would provide a decent overview of current work on anti-aging medicine. I was sorely disappointed. Benecke spends much of his time on popular culture, philosophical musings, and general health tips like vitamins and the effect of alcohol on heart disease. He does not cover the advances of the last ten years in genetically engineering animals to live much much longer than the norm, using caloric restriction to extend life, the success of synthetic anti-oxidants in extending the lives of nematodes and fruit flies, or any other current scientific topic in anti-aging medicine.
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