Exercise Stops The Mitochondrial Aging Process In Its Tracks

New research published in the American Journal of Physiology indicates that exercise may minimize, and even reverse, age-associated declines in mitochondrial function.[1]  This has wide-ranging implications, as the health of the mitochondria intimately affect every cell, tissue and organ within the human body.

Mitochondria are known as the “powerhouse” of the cell because they are responsible for producing the body’s primary source of chemical energy: adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but they are also intimately involved in a wide range of other indispensable cellular functions, e.g. neurotransmitter, hormone and RNA/DNA production, which is all the more fascinating considering that they have their own bacteria-like DNA ring completely foreign to our own.

As we age, mitochondrial density (the number of mitochondria per cell), and mitochondrial quality (its genetic and structural integrity) decline.  While this is a natural process, it can be greatly accelerated as a result of excessive stress, environmental radiation and chemical exposures (including pharmaceutical drugs), nutritional deficiencies, imbalances and/or incompatibilities, and mitochondrial DNA defects inherited maternally.

In the new study titled, “Age-associated Declines in Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Protein Quality Control Factors are Minimized by Exercise Training,” researchers found animals that underwent exercise training, consisting of treadmill running at 60% of the initial VO2max (also known as maximal aerobic capacity, which is the maximum capacity of an individual’s body to transport and use oxygen during incremental exercise), “…reversed or attenuated significant age-associated (detrimental) declines in mitochondrial mass,” as well as a wide range of additional age-associated mitochondrial changes, e.g. SIRT1 activity, AMPK, COX 4, etc.

The researchers summarized their conclusions:

“Exercise training also decreased the gap between young and old animals in other measured parameters including NRF1, TFAM, Fis1, Mfn1 and polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) levels. We conclude that exercise training can help minimize detrimental skeletal muscle aging deficits by improving mitochondrial protein quality control and biogenesis.“

Mitochondrial biogenesis is the process by which new mitochondria are formed in the cell, and it is generally believed that the higher the mitochondrial copy number (or mitochondrial mass) the more protective it is for the cell.  Most of the research in the past 40 years has been performed on muscle mitochondria, which are believed to confer greater resistance to fatigue and strength. The muscle cell type with the highest mitochondrial density is cardiac muscle – because the heart never stops working – which may have as high as 10-100 times more mitochondria per cell versus skeletal muscle (approximately 50 vs. 5,000). This is also why statin drugs like Lipitor (atorvastin), which reduce heart mitochondrial function,[2] are so illogical for the primary prevention of heart disease; a disease which is certainly not caused by a lack of drugs. The well-known myotoxicity (muscle-damaging) properties of this chemical class of drugs may be primarily caused by their fatal disruption of mitochondrial function, and may explain why statins have been linked to such a broad range of pathologies, numbering over 300 on our database alone.

This is not, in fact, the first study showing exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology showed that exercise training increased mitochondrial biogenesis in the brains of mice, which opened the door to the possibility that exercise may reduce or reverse age-associated declines in cognitive function, especially those related to inactivity.[3]

Another more recent study published in the journal Neuroscience (Jan. 2012) titled, “Exercise induces mitochondrial biogenesis after brain ischemia in rats,” found that “…exercise can promote mitochondrial biogenesis after ischemic injury [associated with stroke], which may serve as a novel component of exercise-induced repair mechanisms of the brain.”[4]

Finally, a 2011 study published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, reviewed the role of exercise training in inducing mitochondrial biogenesis in tissues beyond that of skeletal muscle, namely, adipose tissue, liver, brain and kidney.[5]

Exercise, of course, is another way of saying intentionally moving our bodies – something which increasingly, in a world of mechanization and technological extension and/or substitution of bodily functions (transhumanism?), is performed regularly only rarely by the majority of the world’s industrialized populations.

The saying “move it or lose” speaks volumes to what is implied by the research on mitochondrial biogenesis, or conversely, the mitochondrial degeneration implied by lack of exercise.  In other words, exercise may not be so much a ‘magic bullet’ that we apply to disease like we would a palliative drug. Although we have indexed over 80 “diseases” which appear to be prevented or improved with exercise, another way of putting it is: 80+ “diseases” may be caused by exercise deficiency, i.e. daily, moderate-to-intense physical exertion, may be a default, necessary state of the body in order to produce or maintain health. This is, after all, the very meaning of re-generation, which is the truly the default moment-to-moment state of our body, and the implied meaning of “re-creational” activities.

In closing, there are a few natural substances which may enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, but please remember there is no “magic bullet” superior to a truly healthy diet, lifestyle and attitude:

• Grape polyphenols: Shown to increase muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and decrease age-associated muscle atrophy in aged rats.[6]


• Acai berry: While I am truly fatigued by the acai-berry hype that has proliferated like a virus with the typical multi-level-marketing intensity over the past few years, it has been studied in the fruit fly model to promote healthy aging and reducing oxidative stress, while measurably increasing transcript levels of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.[7]


• Resveratrol: It has been shown to induce mitochondrial biogenesis in a rat model.[8]


• Quercetin: Shown to increase brain and muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and exercise tolerance in an animal model.[9]

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[1] Age-associated Declines in Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Protein Quality Control Factors are Minimized by Exercise Training. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2012 May 9. Epub 2012 May 9. PMID: 22573103

[2] Effects of atorvastatin on heart mitochondrial function and coenzyme Q content in the experiment. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2011 ;112(11):603-4. PMID: 22180983

[3] Exercise Training Increases Mitochondrial Biogenesis in the Brain. J Appl Physiol. 2011 Aug 4. Epub 2011 Aug 4. PMID: 21817111

[4] Exercise induces mitochondrial biogenesis after brain ischemia in rats. Neuroscience. 2012 Jan 8. Epub 2012 Jan 8. PMID: 22266265

[5] Skeletal muscle and beyond: the role of exercise as a mediator of systemic mitochondrial biogenesis. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2011 Sep 2. Epub 2011 Sep 2. PMID: 21888528

[6] Polyphenols decreased liver NADPH oxidase activity, increased muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and decreased gastrocnemius age-dependent autophagy in aged rats. Free Radic Res. 2012 May 18. Epub 2012 May 18. PMID: 22607117

[7] A botanical containing freeze dried açai pulp promotes healthy aging and reduces oxidative damage in sod1 knockdown flies. Age (Dordr). 2012 May 26. Epub 2012 May 26. PMID: 22639178

[8]  Resveratrol induces mitochondrial biogenesis and ameliorates Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling in transgenic Blood Press. 2010 Jun;19(3):196-205. PMID: 20429690 rats harboring human renin and angiotensinogen genes.

[9] Quercetin increases brain and muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and exercise tolerance. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Apr;296(4):R1071-7. Epub 2009 Feb 11. PMID: 19211721

© April 14, 2018 GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here http://www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.

The post Exercise Stops The Mitochondrial Aging Process In Its Tracks appeared first on The Sleuth Journal.

Does Aging Have an ‘End Point?’ People Younger than Ever

Usually when we hear about life expectancy rising and death rates falling, the good news is accompanied by handwringing about living in a “greying world” and a supposedly increasing proportion of people who must depend on others for health reasons. But times are changing, as life at certain age groups is not what it was even one generation ago.

Who would have thought that this could be a 51 year old woman’s life: teaching yoga at a hip hotel and club; sharing clothes and yoga challenges with her 19 year old daughter; and is in love with travelling? Such is the life of Polly Kemp, and it’s becoming increasingly common.

Polly says that when she hears the term middle-aged, “I have to stop and think, ‘Is this meant to be me?’ I don’t polish silver or plan menus, and I’m not interested in housework. I am also spontaneous and I don’t think that’s a quality traditionally associated with middle age."”

Even the author of the article adds that 40 years ago, she would have pictured her 53 year old self as having much shorter, greyer hair, and wearing “frocks and face powder” instead of jeans and CC cream.

Polly, here with daughter Iggy, embraces an age-defying lifestyle CREDIT: RICK PUSHINSKY

It Isn’t Just These 2 Women, Either

In a survey of over 500 women performed by the UK Telegraph:

• 96% of women over 40 do not consider themselves to be “middle-aged”


• 90% said they had a younger attitude than their mothers at the same age


• 84% used products and services aimed at younger women


• Almost 66% said they felt as vibrant and young as they ever had.

Unfortunately, the media hasn’t caught up to these changes, choosing to hold onto the old ways. Women over 40, 50, 60, and sometimes even older are no longer confining their lives to, as the Telegraph describes, “lawnmowers and Rotary Clubs, cheese and wine parties, elastic waists, river cruises and walking tours of Madeira.”

I myself could not imagine my friends of those ages living in such a restricted way!

The “ageless generation”, also referred to as “perennials,” is also gaining ground in a literal sense. As far back as 1939, British statisticians Major Greenwood and J.O. Irwin found that aging seems to stop at around 90! Even they were confused, stating that: “At first sight this must seem a preposterous speculation.”

Not only did their findings seem counterintuitive, but 1939 was also a bad year to attempt making scientific history because of other world events. Much more recently, Michael Rose has done more research on the matter, with even data from other species showing that there is a point where aging stops if you live long enough – at about 90 for humans, but at different times for other animals.

Sources:

The Telegraph

NewScientist

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Best Anti-Aging Foods: A Diet to Feel and Look Young

Your health is only as good as the food you eat. Following a regular diet based on nutrient-rich, organic food is one of the best things you can do to age gracefully. Supplying your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fatty acids helps you feel young and full of energy.

Antioxidants

Unhealthy food, artificial ingredients like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and other environmental and lifestyle toxins produce free radicals that damage the cells in your body. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and support the body’s ability to protect and repair itself.

A two-year French study found that people who consumed the most antioxidants aged more slowly, lived longer, and had fewer health problems.^[1] A study from Brigham Young University found that antioxidants support healthy eyes in the face of aging.^[2]

The following foods are a great source of antioxidants.

Berries

Berries, specifically blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, goji berries, and blackberries contain a class of antioxidants called flavonoids. Anthocyanins, a subset of flavonoids, are antioxidant pigments that give berries their rich blue, red, and purple hues. Studies indicate that flavonoids and anthocyanins can soothe occasional inflammation and strengthen the immune system.^[3]

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a superfood that have been appreciated for thousands of years. They owe their bright red color and healthful properties to antioxidant pigments called polyphenols.^[4]

Grapes

Grapes, especially red and purple grapes, contain an antioxidant called resveratrol which has been found to extend lifespan in animal testing. Resveratrol is also found in red wine, but there are many good reasons to restrict your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether. You can get the same antioxidants from grapes or organic, no-added-sugar grape juice.^[5]

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is another source of polyphenols. Just remember—the darker the better. Skip the milk chocolate and look for an option with at least 60% cocoa.^[6]

Cruciferous Vegetables

It’s hard to beat cruciferous vegetables when it comes to certain antioxidants, such as isothiocyanates and indole-3-carbinol. Many organizations, including the National Cancer Institute, recommend eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts every day.^[7]

Green Tea

After water, green tea is the most consumed beverage on earth, and with good reason. Green tea offers a wide variety of robust antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage.^[8]

Unsaturated Fat

Although saturated fat from meat and dairy can raise your cholesterol and put you at risk for heart disease and stroke, unsaturated fat promotes normal cholesterol levels and is an important part of a healthy diet.^[9] There are two kinds of unsaturated fat—monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, a beneficial type of polyunsaturated fat, help maintain heart health.^[10] Below are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish

At Global Healing Center, we encourage a vegan lifestyle, but we realize that it may not be for everyone. If you choose not to abide by a plant-based diet, then at least select lean meat. Fish are a good option and just happen to be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Farm-raised fish are often subject to poor conditions and best avoided. When considering wild-caught fish, keep in mind that mercury exposure can be a risk; children and pregnant women should be mindful of fish consumption.^[11]

Avocados

Avocados have seen a surge in popularity lately, and it’s not (only) due to the tastiness of guacamole. According to researchers, eating an avocado a day supports normal cholesterol levels and boosts brain health. These benefits may be related to avocados’ high omega-3 content.^{[12, 13]}

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. They’re a versatile seed that can be used whole, cracked, ground, or used to make flaxseed oil. Flaxseeds are a great addition to baked goods, smoothies, salads, or granola. You can even mix them with water and use as a vegan egg substitute!

Vitamins and Minerals

Your diet should provide the right amount of essential vitamins and minerals from natural, unprocessed, organic food. Avoid processed food, it’s often stripped of nutrients only to have artificial nutrients added back later in the process. Below are a few great, natural sources of vitamins and minerals.

Dark Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens have a low glycemic index and are low in calories, carbohydrates, and sodium, but high in vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, C, E, and K can be found abundantly in salad greens, kale, and spinach while bok choy and mustard greens are excellent sources of B-complex vitamins. Dark leafy greens also contain high levels of fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.^[14]

Beans

An important staple in any plant-based diet, beans provide protein and are among the few plant foods that contain the amino acid lysine, an essential amino acid necessary for human health. Beans provide a generous supply of folate—a B-complex vitamin essential for the production of red blood cells. They also offer potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.^[15]

Whole Grains

When grains are refined, the outer bran and germ are stripped away, leaving only the starch. Whole grains retain all of the nutritional potential of the original kernel with the bran, germ, and endosperm. Whole grains are generally an excellent source of dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin E.^[16] Standard whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats are okay, but alternative grains like quinoa, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, and kaniwa are a step above.

Probiotics

Your gut is home to a complex ecosystem of beneficial bacteria that support everything from metabolism and immune function to digestive health and even mental balance.^[17]Probiotic-rich food and supplements contain live, active bacterial cultures that can take up residence in your gut and boost your microbiota. Below are several types of food that are an excellent source of beneficial bacteria.

Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the more famous probiotic foods, but not all types of yogurt provide probiotics and certainly not all yogurt is healthy—some have more added sugar than a candy bar. Look for a vegan yogurt that is low in sugar, made with almonds, coconuts, cashews, or hemp, and packs a probiotic punch.^[18]

Kefir

Similar to yogurt, kefir is a cultured milk beverage that likely originated centuries ago in Eastern Europe. Kefir is a potent probiotic food and a significant source of thiamin, B-12, calcium, folate, vitamin K, magnesium, and phosphorous.^[19]

Kombucha

A type of fermented tea, kombucha is a good source of probiotics and may support mental health, heart health, and immune function. Although kombucha has been popular for over 1500 years, it’s only recently begun to gain momentum in the United States.^[20]

Kimchi

What do you get when you take already healthy foods like cabbage, radish, garlic, red pepper, onion, and ginger, and ferment them? A legitimate superfood. Not only is kimchi loaded with antioxidants, it’s an excellent source of vitamin C, B vitamins, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber.^[21]

Prebiotics

You can’t talk about probiotics without mentioning prebiotics. Prebiotics are fiber-rich foods that feed and nourish the friendly bacteria in your gut.^[22] Some excellent prebiotic foods include bananas, berries, legumes, garlic, onions, whole grains, and nuts.

Nuts

The British Journal of Nutrition reports that nuts are a heart-healthy food that encourage healthy cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.^[3] With a relatively high vitamin E content, nuts promote normal blood pressure, help with weight loss, and help keep blood sugar under control.^[23] Below are some of the healthiest nuts.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fat, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, copper, and phytonutrients. They support normal cholesterol and help reduce occasional inflammation and oxidative stress—all without raising blood sugar.^[24]

Walnuts

Animal studies have found that a diet rich in walnuts may promote prostate health, support normal cholesterol, and encourage normal insulin levels.^[25]

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are one of the richest plant sources of selenium, a key nutrient that supports a healthy thyroid.^[26]

Pecans

Pecans provide two types of vitamin E—alpha-tocopherols and gamma-tocopherols. When you eat pecans, the gamma-tocopherols can lower LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 33%.^[27]

Water

Water is vital for every function in the body. Even mild dehydration can make you feel bad and cause constipation, affect kidney function, or prompt a headache.^[28]

How much water should you drink? The folk wisdom number of eight glasses per day is a start, but a better rule of thumb would be to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces. In other words, if you weigh 160 lbs, you should drink 80 fluid ounces of water. Bear in mind that your individual needs vary according to your age, activity level, and health status.

Feel and Look Young

There is no fountain of youth or magic elixir to transform an aging body back into a teenager. All we can do is make smart choices each and every day. Eat a balanced diet, avoid unhealthy food, stay active, and if you need an extra antioxidant boost, I recommend Cell Fuzion™. Cell Fuzion is a blend of the strongest antioxidants available and it’s formulated to maintain cell vitality and promote graceful aging.

What do you do to feel young and vibrant? Leave a comment below and share your secret with us.

References (28)

1. Assmann, Karen E., Valentina A. Andreeva, Claude Jeandel, Serge Hercberg, Pilar Galan, and Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot. “Healthy Aging 5 Years After a Period of Daily Supplementation With Antioxidant Nutrients: A Post Hoc Analysis of the French Randomized Trial SU.VI.MAX.” American Journal of Epidemiology 182.8 (2015): 694-704. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.


2. Brigham Young University. “How Diet, Antioxidants Prevent Blindness In Aging Population.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 27 August 2008. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


3. “Berry Berry Beneficial: Reduce Inflammation with Fruit.” Penn State Extension: Nutrition, Diet, and Health. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, 27 Oct. 2014. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


4. Ehrlich, Steven D. “Pomegranate.” University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, 2 Feb. 2016. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


5. Wein, Harrison. “How Resveratrol May Fight Aging.” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25 Mar. 2013. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


6. “Healing Foods Pyramid.” The University of Michigan Integrative Medicine. Regents of the University of Michigan, 2009. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


7. Higdon, Jane. “Cruciferous Vegetables.” Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University, 03 Jan. 2017. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


8. Forester, Sarah C., and Joshua D. Lambert. “Antioxidant Effects of Green Tea.” Molecular nutrition & food research 55.6 (2011): 844–854. PMC. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.


9. Martin, Laura J. “Dietary Fats Explained.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Aug. 2016. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


10. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution.” Harvard: T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The President and Fellows of Harvard College, n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


11. “7 Things To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 24 Sept. 2015. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


12. Indivero, Victoria M. “An Avocado a Day Keeps the Cardiologist Away.” Penn State University. Pennsylvania State University, 7 Jan. 2015. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


13. DeMello, Heather. “Boost Your Brain Health.” Healthy UNH. University of New Hampshire, 30 June 2014. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


14. Yan, Lin. “Dark Green Leafy Vegetables.” USDA.gov. United States Department of Agriculture, 13 Aug. 2016. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


15. Messina, V. “Nutritional and Health Benefits of Dried Beans.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2014. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


16. “Health Benefits of Whole Grains.” Tufts University Health & Nutrition Lette. Tufts University, Nov. 2016. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


17. Guinane, Caitriona M., and Paul D. Cotter. “Role of the Gut Microbiota in Health and Chronic Gastrointestinal Disease: Understanding a Hidden Metabolic Organ.” Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology 6.4 (2013): 295–308. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.


18. Moore, Stephanie. “Everything You Need to Know about Yogurt.” Moore Family Center Blog. Oregon State University, 05 Nov. 2014. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


19. Hassan, Diana. “What Is Kefir?” MSU Extension. Michigan State University, 31 Dec. 2013. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


20. Underthun, Kristina, and David Dekevich. “Kombucha.” Food Source Information. Colorado State University, n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


21. Brooks, Austin. “Kimchi, the Korean Superfood.” Eat Smart Move More. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 9 May 2014. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


22. “Prebiotics: How to Feed Your Good Bacteria (Nutrition, Diet, and Health).” Penn State Extension. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


23. Corliss, Julie. “Eating Nuts Linked to Healthier, Longer Life.” Harvard Health Blog. Harvard University, 20 Nov. 2013. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


24. Kamil, Alison, and C.-Y. Oliver Chen. “Health Benefits of Almonds beyond Cholesterol Reduction.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 60.27 (2012): 6694-702. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.


25. “‘Tis the Season to Indulge in Walnuts.” UC Davis Health. The University of California, 13 Nov. 2014. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


26. “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Selenium.” National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 11 Feb. 2016. Web. 04 Apr. 2017.


27. Hudthagosol, C., E. H. Haddad, K. Mccarthy, P. Wang, K. Oda, and J. Sabate. “Pecans Acutely Increase Plasma Postprandial Antioxidant Capacity and Catechins and Decrease LDL Oxidation in Humans.” Journal of Nutrition 141.1 (2010): 56-62. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.


28. Popkin, Barry M., Kristen E. D’Anci, and Irwin H. Rosenberg. “Water, Hydration and Health.” Nutrition Reviews 68.8 (2010): 439–458. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.

5 Reasons Why You’re Living in the Strangest Time in Human History

The world is changing faster than ever before, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t being acclimated to it. It’s truly a testament to the ability of humans to adapt to just about any circumstance. We have more food, wealth, and life-saving technologies than anyone in our history. We have a nearly unlimited stream of entertainment and information. Yet we take it all for granted.

Because we’re so acclimated to this world, we often forget how strange it is compared to previous eras. Sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate just how freaking bonkers it all is. If you don’t believe me, I’ve collected five news stories to prove it. They’re not necessarily relevant to each other in any way, but if you told someone 30 years ago that the following stories would someday come true, they’d probably think that you were pitching some bizarre sci-fi novel.

3D Printing

You’ve definitely heard about this technology already. 3D printing has been in the news countless times over the past few years. However, that doesn’t mean that it is old hat. It seems as if every year 3D printing is used to create something that no one had considered before.

The fact that we live in a world where a novice can print out his own gun parts is freaky enough, but now it’s believed that 3D printers can create camera lenses as small as a grain of salt. This could be used to create billions of tiny sensors that could be scattered throughout the world; a concept known as “smartdust.” Alternatively, 3D printers can also be used to build objects as large a house in 24 hours.

Lab-Grown Meat

For all of human history, meat was something you raised and produce was something you grew. Not anymore. Since 2013, scientists from around the world have successfully grown meat from cultured animal cells on multiple occasions. In fact, just this week a startup from San Francisco managed to create the first lab-grown chicken strips. The people behind these projects believe that lab-grown meat will become a normal staple in grocery stores in the very near future, because growing meat in this fashion is a lot less resource intensive, and the taste is almost indistinguishable from natural products.

Acceptance of Government Surveillance

Between Edward Snowden and the Vault 7 Wikileaks, the public is finally aware of how invasive the government’s spying really is. We know that the government is tracking and recording every word that we say and write over the internet and over our phones, and we know that the government can spy on us through countless electronic devices in our homes.

But that isn’t the freaky part. What’s strange is how we’ve come to accept it. There are no riots or protests in the streets because of this. No one is being arrested and thrown in jail for something that is clearly illegal. Privacy died, and it’s like no one noticed. What would have outraged everyone a few generations ago, is now met with a shrug.

Santa Muerte

This is the only entry on this list that doesn’t have something to do with technology, but I can’t help but find this story to be a totally unexpected development.

If you ask most people what the fastest growing religion in the world is, they’d probably say Islam. However, it could actually be a strange new subset of Christianity from Mexico called Santa Muerte, or Holy Death. Santa Muerte is a female folk saint whose popularity in Mexico and the United States is spreading rapidly; from being practically unheard in the year 2000, to being worshiped by 10-12 million people in 2014.

Statues and visages of the saint, which appear as a skeleton clad in vibrant robes and carrying a scythe, have popped up all over the world. The religion is popular among a wide variety of people in Mexico, from narco gang members to impoverished farmers, who often pray to the saint for protection. Though Santa Muerte is venerated in the same way as most saints, the Catholic church has condemned the religion, which of course hasn’t had any effect on its popularity.

Anti-Aging Drugs

For most of human history, trying to halt the aging process was synonymous with either magic or pseudoscience. Until recently, the idea that you could slow down or even stop the aging process with drugs, was simply inconceivable to scientists. But now there are companies who are actually beginning human trials with drugs that could slow down aging. And now that science is gaining a firm grasp on what causes the aging process, it may not be long before we’re able to stop and reverse aging. That of course, would change our species forever in ways that we can’t even imagine yet.

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Author: Daniel Lang
Views: Read by 17 people
Date: March 21st, 2017
Website: http://www.SHTFplan.com

Copyright Information: This content has been contributed to SHTFplan by a third-party or has been republished with permission from the author. Please contact the author directly for republishing information.