Body Quote by Ray Kurzweil
“The software programs that make our body run ... were evolved in very different times. We'd like to actually change those programs. One little software program, called the fat insulin receptor gene, basically says, 'Hold onto every calorie, because the next hunting season may not work out so well.' That was in the interests of the species tens of thousands of years ago. We'd like to turn that program off.”
About This Quote
Source Talk: Future of Biology, Ray Kurzweil, 2020
Human metabolism retains ancient genetic programs that favor energy storage; modern science aims to deactivate these outdated mechanisms to improve health.
In simple terms: Old genes make us store fat; we want to turn them off.
Key Takeaway
Target and modify ancient metabolic genes for better health.
Themes
biology
genetics
evolution
health
technology
Mood
hopeful
scientific
ethical
Type
technological
medical
When to use this quote
- obesity treatment
- dietary interventions
- gene therapy
- public health policy
Key Concepts
epigenetics
metabolic engineering
longevity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we safely edit ancient genes?
- What are the risks of altering metabolism?
A Different Perspective
Genetic changes may have unintended side effects and ethical concerns.
![“I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa1/richard-branson-256_adventure_i-ve-used-the-phoenix-centrifuge-to-repl_903.jpg)
