Jinn of Quality and Risk

Tintin uses the eclipse trick against descendants of the Incas in "Le temple du soleil." In 1503, Christopher Columbus found himself stranded on the island of Jamaica, his ships damaged beyond repair and his provisions running low. At first he and his crew were able to get food from the natives in trade for baubles and trinkets. But as months passed without rescue, the Jamaicans finally refused to supply any more food. Faced with the prospect of starvation, [he] conceived an ingenious plan... 

Scientific American's June 2002 issue has an essay, called "No Truth to the Fountain of Youth" and a corresponding position paper collaboratively written by 51 top researchers in the field of aging research is online. That paper is entitled "The Truth about Human Aging" and purports to set out the current state of the science. Very interesting. Mankind has always had a desire for longer and healthier lives. First, let's have a look at their introduction. Then, over the next few days, we'll examine each section of their position paper.