Immortality remains a myth: Scientists calculate human lifespan limit
How long can a human live at most? (Photo: Magnific)
Scientists have finally identified the absolute limit of the human lifespan. Even if humanity develops the perfect anti-aging treatment, our bodies still have a fixed biological ceiling, according to Daily Mail.
The biological clock and the limit of human life
The main reason aging cannot be avoided is the accumulation of so-called somatic mutations. These are tiny errors in DNA that occur every time the body's cells divide. Modern medicine can cure many diseases, but it cannot completely stop this fundamental biological process.
Researchers calculated the maximum human lifespan assuming all other causes of aging could be eliminated. The average estimate ranges from 150 to 190 years. That's nearly twice the current average lifespan in developed countries. In theory, the absolute maximum for exceptionally resilient organisms could reach 627 years.
Why eternal life is impossible
Our cells are remarkably good at detecting and repairing genetic mistakes. However, their repair system is not perfect. Most mutations remain harmless for a long time.
Once enough of them accumulate, they begin disrupting the normal function of tissues and eventually cause vital organs to fail.
Heart and brain cells are especially vulnerable because they rarely regenerate and continue accumulating damage throughout life. By contrast, skin and liver cells can renew themselves effectively for much longer.
The findings are a major disappointment for those hoping to achieve eternal youth. American billionaire Bryan Johnson, for example, spends more than $2 million a year on experimental anti-aging treatments in an attempt to slow the aging process.
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