Slate on Aubrey de Grey
Slate writes about the work of biogerontologist Aubrey de Grey and his efforts to invigorate the field of longevity research through the M Prize. Like many recent articles on de Grey it is an odd mix of insulting, respectful, pessimistic and enthusiastic: "OK, so de Grey isn't doing hard science himself. His theories may all prove wrong when tested. And in any case, I'm sure I'll be long gone before anyone cures old age. But who says an enthusiast can't contribute? If someone, someday, gets to live a lot longer than we will because Aubrey de Grey brought more buzz to [aging research], it doesn't matter if he grows his beard to his knees." If fully funded, serious anti-aging research offers the possibility that those of us reading this now will benefit from a "cure for old age."