In the field of biogerontology, a new theory is emerging with a set of revolutionary promises: “Longevity Escape Velocity” (LEV). This theory, supported by eminent researchers such as Aubrey de Gray e George Church, postulates that within the next 10 years we may reach a tipping point where science will be able to extend human lifespan faster than it shortens it. Living, in other words, will challenge mortality itself.
The concept of “Longevity Escape Velocity”
La Longevity Escape Velocity (LEV) it is a term that derives from physics, specifically from the concept of “escape velocity”. In physics, it describes the minimum speed needed for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a planet. In terms of longevity, the theory suggests that we will reach a point where advanced medicine will be able to keep us alive by extending our lifespans faster than we age. In other words, we may be able to “escape” death.
Recent investments and developments
Longevity is not just an academic concept: it is a rapidly growing sector that is attracting massive investment. Sourav Sinha, head of strategy at the Longevity Vision Fund, has recently discussed of the possibility of reaching LEV within no more than a couple of decades. It all depends, he says, on the quality of choices and investments.
Projects like that of Altos Labs, the scientific "all stars" set up by the creator of Amazon Jeff Bezos, seem to be going precisely in this direction. More are needed, to the point of convincing several scientists to sign some sort of collective call to arms to converge decisively on this field of research.
Of course, not everyone agrees with this optimism. Thomas Perls, founder and director of the New England Centenarian Study, is skeptical about the possibility of achieving some kind of immortality. According to him, before thinking about such extreme scenarios, we should focus on how to live better, improving the quality of life in advanced age.
Artificial Intelligence as a catalyst
Nick bostrom, director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford, suggests that artificial intelligence could be the key to accelerating progress on longevity. Pharmaceutical companies are already exploring how to use AI to discover new, more effective treatments, and if they achieve positive results it will create a “convergence” of results that will speed up the human goal of living indefinitely.
What if we really succeeded? This is a question that goes beyond science and touches on ethical and social aspects. Such a drastic increase in lifespan would have profound implications on aspects such as overpopulation, resources and social structure. We talked about it several times, and we will make a "special" one by collecting the forecasts to outline a possible scenario between politics, ethics and economics of a hypothetical human society capable of living indefinitely.
A future to be experienced
Longevity Escape Velocity is more than a theory: it is a symbol of our collective desire to overcome biological limits and live to explore new horizons. The fact that in the last 15 years the debate has moved out of the "below scale" and has reached serious academic levels (as well as catalysing already billion-dollar investments) is indicative.
Pursuing a consistent extension of healthy life is one of the most exciting and potentially revolutionary frontiers of modern science. The future could be much, much longer than we ever imagined.
