Test to determine length of one's lifespanMedical science is all about extending people's lifespans. It seems some scientists have come up with a new medical test, which can determine your lifespan. A simple blood test like the one that estimates cholesterol, it will tell patients the rate at which they are ageing. It is called telomere test. The question is should people be told as to when they are going to die? Is it ethical to do so? Unless means can also be found for slowing down this rate of ageing, one should not reveal to people as to how long their lifespan is going to be.
This medical test makes one know how fast one's biological clock is ticking - from the length of telomeres or protective chromosome caps in our cells. This is hardly helpful. A person's longevity is determined by several factors, some of which can hardly be measured. Not knowing how long one lives is part of the glorious uncertainty of life. But the telomere test threatens to take all that away by putting an expiry date on each person.
Of course, taking the test is a matter of individual choice. But there is danger of some scientists misusing this test. The marketing of the test as a definitive gauge of one's health makes it susceptible to mischief and misuse. For instance, insurance providers could deny a customer their service based on her telomere test. An employer could use the test as an excuse to fire an employee. In addition to their existing stringent criteria, matrimonial advertisements could demand the test for prospective brides and grooms.
But the biggest argument against the test is that it militates against hope. Hope is the ultimate embodiment of the human spirit. It can push people to conquer the impossible, allowing us to celebrate life rather than brood over its finiteness. In that sense, the telomere test will create a negative outlook on life.
But there are some people who call this test a boon to mankind. They call this test yet another important gift that science has bestowed on humanity. Uncertainties about individual lifespan have been a major worry that has plagued civilisations since ancient times. This scientific study of lifespan will drive away the worry. This test will give birth to a distinct branch of science called life extension science. The ultimate goal in these disciplines is to discover how to slow down or even reverse the ageing process. There can be a lot of value in finding out how long one's lifespan extends.
Telomere test will adversely affect the business of soothsayer, fortune tellers, palm readers and so on who would have a field day speculating on how long the lifespan of a person will be. Since now the blood test can tell it all there will be no need of such people. An accurate projection of lifespan will be a major breakthrough and a boon as it will empower people to take informed decisions on major matters of personal importance. These include career choices, marriage and size of families. One would not, for example, like to have children and then leave them orphaned at a young age. The test will help many to fulfill long-cherished dreams, ensure smooth succession planning, help provide for retirement or dependents and also ensure safe transfer of wealth to inheritors. And, above all, it will also make people to attempt to prolong the estimated lifespan by making substantial changes in lifestyles or seeking other medical remedies.
This medical test makes one know how fast one's biological clock is ticking - from the length of telomeres or protective chromosome caps in our cells. This is hardly helpful. A person's longevity is determined by several factors, some of which can hardly be measured. Not knowing how long one lives is part of the glorious uncertainty of life. But the telomere test threatens to take all that away by putting an expiry date on each person.
Of course, taking the test is a matter of individual choice. But there is danger of some scientists misusing this test. The marketing of the test as a definitive gauge of one's health makes it susceptible to mischief and misuse. For instance, insurance providers could deny a customer their service based on her telomere test. An employer could use the test as an excuse to fire an employee. In addition to their existing stringent criteria, matrimonial advertisements could demand the test for prospective brides and grooms.
But the biggest argument against the test is that it militates against hope. Hope is the ultimate embodiment of the human spirit. It can push people to conquer the impossible, allowing us to celebrate life rather than brood over its finiteness. In that sense, the telomere test will create a negative outlook on life.
But there are some people who call this test a boon to mankind. They call this test yet another important gift that science has bestowed on humanity. Uncertainties about individual lifespan have been a major worry that has plagued civilisations since ancient times. This scientific study of lifespan will drive away the worry. This test will give birth to a distinct branch of science called life extension science. The ultimate goal in these disciplines is to discover how to slow down or even reverse the ageing process. There can be a lot of value in finding out how long one's lifespan extends.
Telomere test will adversely affect the business of soothsayer, fortune tellers, palm readers and so on who would have a field day speculating on how long the lifespan of a person will be. Since now the blood test can tell it all there will be no need of such people. An accurate projection of lifespan will be a major breakthrough and a boon as it will empower people to take informed decisions on major matters of personal importance. These include career choices, marriage and size of families. One would not, for example, like to have children and then leave them orphaned at a young age. The test will help many to fulfill long-cherished dreams, ensure smooth succession planning, help provide for retirement or dependents and also ensure safe transfer of wealth to inheritors. And, above all, it will also make people to attempt to prolong the estimated lifespan by making substantial changes in lifestyles or seeking other medical remedies.
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