Immortality Institute International Conference 2010

The Immortality Institute International Conference 2010 was a fast-paced information-packed weekend with many high-profile speakers from all over, with the vast majority of speakers and attendees being scientists with some focus on immortality.

Interestingly, as the Immortality Institute has periodically (about every six months since its inception in 2002, as new members bring it up, and they have a very democratic system) considered changing its name to something that doesn't involve the word "Immortality" as they consider it sounds to scientifically implausible, Dr. Michael Rose (one of the speakers) fielded a question on this topic (in other words, his opinion was asked, as he seems to use the word "immortality" quite comfortably and he is a very respected hard scientist).

His answer? An extract, after his mentioning of the fact that there are technically biologically immortal humans already alive today (that is, anyone over the age of 95), upon being asked about the scientific use of the word "immortality":

"To me the scientific mention of immortality is a completely legitimate one because you can see biologically immortal organisms; if you go to the seaside you can see sea anemones, or you can go to the Mojave desert in California; saying that that's somehow not something we're allowed to discuss reminds me of the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church, the Inquisition, persecuting Galileo, who presented evidence for Copernicus's heliocentric theory of the solar system."

- Prof. Dr. Michael Rose

Professor & Director of NERE, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, British Commonwealth Scholar, 1976-1979, NATO Science Fellow, 1979-1981, NSERC of Canada University Research Fellow, 1981-1988, Winner of President's Prize (with others) American Society of Naturalists, 1992, Winner of Excellence in Teaching Award, UCI Biological Sciences, 1996, Winner of Busse Prize, World Congress of Gerontology, 1997, Etc.

As usual, I made a presentation regarding EUCRIO. It was filmed, and can be seen here:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/10115880
(Jump to 1:10 to see the EUCRIO presentation - be warned that the video quality is poor and there is an annoying advert first, provided by the video host)

Nominated for ImmInst Directoral Election.

I'm honoured to have been nominated for consideration in the Immortality Institute's 2010 Directoral Elections.

From the 9th of January to the 8th of February will then ensue a voting process open to the whole membership to decide which of the nominees will take a place on the Board of Directors.

I'm pleased to have been nominated, because I'd really like to work more for this most worthy organisation that does so much for the cause to which I devote my life.

The existing Director, who nominated me, is a like-minded fellow who seems to have the commitment, enthusiasm, and never-say-die attitude that this sort of endeavour really needs. I'd love to be a part of such a team.

If I should not be elected, I will of course continue doing what I'm doing in every area of Transhumanism in general (and Immortalism in particular) that I can.

"I will not cease from mental fight
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Immortalism
In our global present land"

If I am able to join the team on this occasion, I look forward to hastening the above!

Galantamine, twofold nootropic.

This thread at the Immortality Institute got me thinking about nootropics and how I should have more of them.

I've gone ahead and bought 90 x 8mg galantamine capsules at $0.83 each from iHerb.com.

Not a bad price, especially as the long half-life means it stays in the bloodstream for around 48 hours and thus need not be taken daily.

This is a two-fold nootropic, as it is not only an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor but also actively promotes the release of acetylcholine itself.

By the way, if you should happen to shop at iHerb.com, use the referral code "UNE109" and you'll get a $5 discount :)