Can Science Cure Death?
Popular Mechanics South Africa|January/February 2022
It sure looks like it.
By Jacqueline Detwiler, Photography and Illustrations by Teekay Name, AlanThornton/Getty Images, Coclaygo/Getty, Alana Paterson
Can Science Cure Death?

NICK SARAEV IS 25 YEARS OLD; FAR TOO YOUNG, IT WOULD SEEM, to be thinking about death. And yet, since he turned 21, he has taken steps to prevent the infirmities of old age. Every day, he takes 2 000 mg of fish oil and 4 000 IU of vitamin D to help prevent heart disease and other ailments. He steams or pressure-cooks most of his meals because, he says, charring meats creates chemicals that may increase the risk of cancer. And in the winter, he keeps the humidity of his home at 35 per cent, because dry air chaps his skin and makes him cough, both of which he considers manifestations of chronic inflammation, which may be bad for longevity.

Based on the life expectancies of young men in North America, Saraev, a freelance software engineer based near Vancouver, believes he has about 55 years before he really has to think about ageing. Given the exponential advances in microprocessors and smartphones in his lifetime, he insists the biotech industry will figure out a solution by then. For this reason, Saraev, like any number of young, optimistic, tech-associated people, believes that if he takes the correct preventative steps now, he might well live forever.

On Medium, Nick Saraev refers to his life-extension habits as 'practical immortality'.

Esta historia es de la edición January/February 2022 de Popular Mechanics South Africa.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición January/February 2022 de Popular Mechanics South Africa.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE POPULAR MECHANICS SOUTH AFRICAVer todo
Can a retired rocket engine take us to Mars?
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Can a retired rocket engine take us to Mars?

The space shuttle's main engine was mothballed with the programme in 2011. Now NASA believes it's the future of interplanetary travel.

time-read
9 minutos  |
January/February 2023
6 metre waves. All engines on fire. 1 500 Km from land.
Popular Mechanics South Africa

6 metre waves. All engines on fire. 1 500 Km from land.

How Flying Tiger 923 and its 'miracle pilot' made an impossible ocean landing.

time-read
10 minutos  |
January/February 2023
Land Rover Discovery D300
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Land Rover Discovery D300

A FEW MONTHS ago a $2 billion lottery jackpot was won in the United States. It’s fun to sometimes ponder outrageous winnings like that, and how I’d spend it, even if it’s completely detached from reality.

time-read
3 minutos  |
January/February 2023
Volkswagen Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Volkswagen Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI

The compact proportions make this a delightful daily commuter.

time-read
2 minutos  |
January/February 2023
Mazda CX-5 2.2 L De Akera AWD
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Mazda CX-5 2.2 L De Akera AWD

Floor the pedal and overtaking is achieved easily and safely.

time-read
1 min  |
January/February 2023
Making the most out of your grinder
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Making the most out of your grinder

THE HUMBLE BENCH GRINDER IS A STAPLE of the handyworker's home shop, largely due to its versatility. But, while you can employ one to remove metal from just about anything, the traditional kind may not provide the precision you need for every grinding operation. Here, we shed light on the best ways to use the different types of grinders, gleaned from our testing.

time-read
4 minutos  |
January/February 2023
Unlock your devices' full potential with a USB-C hub
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Unlock your devices' full potential with a USB-C hub

AS NEW TECH SHRINKS EACH YEAR, essential ports such as USB-A, HDMI, and ethernet are being replaced by the slimmer USB-C.

time-read
5 minutos  |
January/February 2023
WE BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST V-8 TESLA
Popular Mechanics South Africa

WE BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST V-8 TESLA

THE RICH REBUILDS TEAM HAD A DEAD MODEL S. THEY FIXED IT WITH A CAMARO ENGINE.

time-read
9 minutos  |
January/February 2023
I bought a GHOST TOWN
Popular Mechanics South Africa

I bought a GHOST TOWN

This abandoned California mining village once had 400 buildings. Now I'm restoring the 20 that remain.

time-read
8 minutos  |
January/February 2023
F1 taught me that speed starts with comfort
Popular Mechanics South Africa

F1 taught me that speed starts with comfort

AS A FAN OF MOTORSPORT, I'M ALWAYS fascinated with the finer details that go into Formula One racing. Piloting the fastest racing cars on the planet subjects drivers to savage forces - up to 6 G's under braking which has led to an almost endless pursuit of comfort.

time-read
2 minutos  |
January/February 2023