Longevity - Can Fat Cells Dictate How Long a Human Survives? by C Bailey-Lloyd/Lady Camelot

Longevity - Can Fat Cells Dictate How Long a Human Survives? by C Bailey-Lloyd/Lady Camelot

According to the September Issue of Popular Mechanics, a report written by Jim Wilson explains how human beings may some day have the capability to survive to be 180 (one hundred eighty) years old!

Based on research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(http://web.mit.edu/biology/www/facultyareas/facresearch/guarente.shtml) and Professor Leonard P. Guarante; genetic makeup that rules our individual "time-clocks" can be virtually erased.

* How is this possible?
Every person has DNA fragments dubbed telomeres Our telomeres are specifically designed to extend our lives. These telomeres are copied from genetic material in our chromosomes. As mitosis occurs, these telomeres pass to our newly formed cells. As we age, however, our cell information becomes illegible - similar to "...a document that is photocopied too many times..." [1] Once this happens, our cells are depleted of telomeres before our chromosomes are completely corrupted. Without telomeres, our cells no longer have the vital information to reproduce themselves. Based on this research, our maximum human lifespan - theoretically - could typically range from 120 to 180 years of age IF we can instruct our genes how to tell our body to lose fat as opposed to storing it.

* So what does fat content have to do with longevity?
According to studies which began halfway in the 20th century; yeast, worms and lab rats who sustained themselves on the brink of starvation lived substantially longer than their well-nourished counterparts. Genetically tied to our personal genepools are WAT (White Adipose Tissue) cells; otherwise known as fat cells, our bodies automatically preserve fat for future unsurities. Aside from starvation ditets, Professor Guarente is optimistic that research will lead to a drug that may bind the single protein (Sirt1) (which directs the body's ability to store fat in WAT cells) and trick it into thinking that it needs to release fat as opposed to saving it. In this sense, we could - hypothetically speaking - have our cake and eat it too. And perhaps, live to be nearly two centuries old!

The moral dilemmas of super-long, life expectancies could inevitably trigger social and economic controversies. In closing, I leave you with my own thoughts on this topic, based on a satirical analogy from MountainWings.com:

The Dragonfly

"Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.

Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.

Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top.

When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.

So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed.

Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended.

But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!"

~Author Unknown~
MountainWings.com

Longer lives - longer civilizations? Some thoughts to ponder... C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot

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Longevity - Can Fat Cells Dictate How Long a Human Survives?
2004 - All Rights Reserved
By, C. Bailey-Lloyd/Lady Camelot

References:
[1] PM Magazine, "Live to Be 180"
[2] Massachusetts Institute of Technology
[3] Telomere.net

***PLEASE CONTACT AUTHOR FOR ARTICLE USE PERMISSION***

About the Author
Longevity - Can Fat Cells Dictate How Long a Human Survives?
2004 - All Rights Reserved
By, C. Bailey-Lloyd/Lady Camelot Public Relations' Director - Staff Writer for
www.HolisticJunction.com
www.MediaPositiveRadio.com

Making Space for Sacred Space by Stephanie Yeh

Making Space for Sacred Space by Stephanie Yeh

MAKING SPACE for Sacred Space
==================================================
When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article,
don't you think to yourself, "What a great idea! I should do more
daily rituals, prayer, meditation."? It always seems like a great
idea, right? We know that sacred practices and sacred space
bring peace, harmony, joy, and ease into our lives. Sounds like a
great idea!

The problem is that the impulse to add more sacred activity into
our lives only lasts for a few moments-then life intrudes and we
forget all about it until the next time we read something
inspiring. So how can we really make space for sacred space in
our lives? Luckily it's not as hard as you think. Check out these
simple ways you can expand the sacred in your life:

1) Be Simple and Consistent: Consistency in creating sacred space
is much more important than quantity. Choose one sacred practice
you will do every day, and do it every day. Even if you just sit
and breathe for 3 minutes in silence, you'll feel the benefit of
those 3 minutes throughout your day.

2) Clear Out the Clutter: Sacred space means actually having a
space where you can be in the sacred. Dedicate one area of your
house to the sacred by clearing out all the excess junk, creating
an altar or space for sacred objects there, and keeping it fresh
with incense, candles, or plants. Keep the area energetically
clean with by smudging (get instructions by sending a blank email
to cleansmudge@shamanschool.com).*

3) Have Great Beginnings or Endings: Putting sacred practice at
the beginning or end of your day will make it easier to remember
and do. Starting your day with sacred practice will bring you
peace and awareness throughout the day. Ending your day with
sacred practice will help you rest deeply and beneficially.

4) Take Your Sacred Space Outdoors: There's nothing like nature
to bring the sacred into our awareness. If you find it difficult
to get out of your daily routine indoors, spend a few moments
outdoors each day, greeting the sky and earth. You'll be amazed
at how fast you connect to the sacred.

5) Move in Sacredness: For those of us who can't sit still long
enough to meditate, walking can also be a way to create the
sacred. Walking and praying, or walking and talking with our
higher powers can create sacred space around you, plus you can
take it with you everywhere you go!

About the Author
Stephanie Yeh is co-founder of the Esoteric School of Shamanism and Magic (http://www.shamanschool.com). Through this online school she helps clients use magical and shamanic techniques to manifest their desires.

Currently Stephanie continues her quest to share information with her latest project, a free teleconference series sponsored by the Esoteric School on a variety of magickal and shamanic topics with guest speakers from different spiritual communities.