The Immortal Gene: Uncovering Biological Immortality

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of biological immortality as presented in a fictional universe called 'TIG Universe,' where all living individuals possess an active gene that grants them immortality. Participants explore the implications of this premise, including the scientific methods that biologists might employ to investigate the cause of such immortality, as well as narrative considerations for a story based on this idea.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a narrative premise where no one has died for over a year due to an active immortality gene.
  • Another participant interprets the prompt differently, suggesting that in the TIG Universe, the premise would not apply as no one would have ever died.
  • There is a discussion about the need for clarity in the story regarding whether immortality protects against accidents and murder or solely prevents aging.
  • A suggestion is made that a gene preventing aging could be related to the repair of telomeres.
  • References to external literature, such as 'Oryx and Crake,' are shared as potentially relevant to the theme of immortality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the narrative prompt and its implications for the story. There is no consensus on the nature of immortality in the TIG Universe, as some focus on the prevention of aging while others consider the broader implications of immortality.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of defining the scope of immortality in the narrative, particularly regarding its relation to accidents and aging, which remains unresolved.

Clever Penguin
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I have started writing a book based on the writing prompt: 'Not a single person in the world has died for over a year. Write a story about it.'

I decided to call mine 'The Immortal Gene.'

The only difference between this universe and 'TIG Universe' is that in 'TIG Universe' everyone who is alive has an active gene that makes them immortal.

The scientists don't know this yet, and are looking for the cause of this immortality. I need an accurate description of what methods biologists would use under these circumstances.

You can see it here: https://tablo.io/brumtown/the-immortal-gene

:smile:
 
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Clever Penguin said:
prompt: 'Not a single person in the world has died for over a year.
Clever Penguin said:
The only difference between this universe and 'TIG Universe' is that in 'TIG Universe' everyone who is alive has an active gene that makes them immortal.
Hi Penguin:

I interpret the prompt differently than you seem to. In the TIG Universe, the prompt would be inappropriate, since no one would have ever died.

Regards,
Buzz
 
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Buzz Bloom said:
Hi Penguin:

I interpret the prompt differently than you seem to. In the TIG Universe, the prompt would be inappropriate, since no one would have ever died.

Regards,
Buzz

I have a solution to that. :smile:

[Spoiler Alert]

This gene was originally inactive, but something caused it to become active in some people. Then some evil guys, who had the active version, killed everyone who didn't. And now everyone is immortal. :smile:

EDIT 1: And that has just spoiled the plot, so I added a 'spoiler alert'.
EDIT 2:
I say they are evil, but in reality they are just disappointed at the amount of time it has taken to send people to other planets. It is just their method that is evil (killing the people without the gene so as to artificially select people who are immortal).
 
Hi Penguin:

Your "spoilers" are a logical fix to my interpretation. You need to be clear early in your story as to whether the immortality protects against (1) accidents and being murdered, or (2) just prevents aging. I don't have any ideas about the (1) plot possibility, but a gene that stopped aging after adulthood might be based on repairing the shortening of telomeres.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
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Buzz Bloom said:
Hi Penguin:

Your "spoilers" are a logical fix to my interpretation. You need to be clear early in your story as to whether the immortality protects against (1) accidents and being murdered, or (2) just prevents aging. I don't have any ideas about the (1) plot possibility, but a gene that stopped aging after adulthood might be based on repairing the shortening of telomeres.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz

Thanks. Originally it was meant to be (1), but it maybe better if it was (2). :smile:

Buzz Bloom said:
Hi Penguin:

It occurred to me that you might like to read a novel based on a similar, but not the same, premise.

Regards,
Buzz

Seems interesting. Adding this to my 'BTR (Books To Read) list' :wink:
 

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