Gerontology

**Should Science Conquer Death?**  //Ever since the days of the ancient Egypt, and perhaps even beyond, human civilization has attempted to stem the effects of aging and, if possible, eliminate death altogether. For just as long, however, others have questioned the wisdom behind stopping what has come to be seen as the natural course of life: death. In Greek mythology the story of Asclepius epitomizes this very idea. According to the myth, Asclepius was so skilled at medicine that he offended the greatest of the Greek gods: the Fates. How dare this mere mortal usurp the power of the Fates, who had power over even the gods themselves? For his disdain for the power of the Fates, Asclepius was struck down by Zeus. This same tale of warning has been repeated in subsequent generations and cultures, but is this caveat simply an element of good literature, or is it actually a genuine fabric of reality? Read, listen to, and view the following articles, interviews, and cartoons concerning the controversies surrounding the field of gerontology and consider whether human society should meddle in this natural course of life on Earth. //

** [|"A Look at Anti-Aging Tactics in 'Eternity Soup,'" National Public Radio's (NPR) Guy Raz's Interview with Greg Crister, Author of "Eternity Soup: Inside the Quest to End Aging] **

** [|"Immortality Explored in 'Long For This Life,'" NPR's Neal Conan's Interview/Discussion with Jonathan Weiner, Author of "Long For This World," a New Book Exploring the Scientific Possibility of Achieving Immortality] **

** [|"Efficient Mortality: The Dismal Logic of Total Decline," by Steven E. Landsburg, Reporter for Slate.com] **