Rat Lessons

Today a study was published into the effectiveness of stem cells to essentially cure Parkinson's disease in humans. The report stated that the experiments on rats were looking promising with many rats recovering from Parkinson-like symptoms after receiving stem cell treatment. However after the rats were euthanized and dissected, it was discovered that an unwelcome guest had entered the equation, cancer cells. In all the rats, cells had begun to divide at a regular, steady pace which the researchers recognized as the beginnings of a tumour.

This report is symbolic of our continual faith in technology to save us from ourselves, warts and all. We always think we've found a cure, a miracle product or a miraculous source of energy only to discover that it comes with an unintended side effect. We then set about dealing with the side effect, putting our faith in technology to get us out of the next jam. All the while we continue to dig ourselves deeper into our hole.

One example from my work is compact fluorescent light bulbs. We peddle these bulbs as the solution to our energy problems. And they surely are that offering major energy and cost savings. But wait, we forgot to mention that you have to dispose of them properly as they contain deadly mercury gas. They are toxic once they've spent their fuel. Another ill which started out as a good.

Maybe technology won't save us after all. It'll just present us with a new set of problems. And at this point can we afford another chemical released into our ecosystems or another environmentally-based disease to afflict us? When do we decide that enough is enough? Can we collectively make that decision?

Maybe it's time to recognize that when you're old your body is going to start breaking down. And if you lead a reckless life you'll probably also end up creaking, no matter your age. And if you are exposed, as we all are, to many toxins and harsh chemicals, don't expect a long productive life. These are harsh comments, especially if you have a relative that is suffering through a wasting disease, but don't they have an element of truth to them? Maybe this is natural; deteriorating is natural.

If I was an early human walking around in the grasslands of east Africa, I wouldn't live to see 40 unless I was a magnificent specimen of humanity. Whereas those younger, stronger and faster members of my community could outclimb a leopard, I would be caught so they could live; similarly if I had a genetic disorder like Parkinson's I wouldn't last long. I sometimes wonder if we should look to the past like this to put ourselves in perspective. When I get cancer or Parkinson's, I'll hopefully have the same perspective I have today. Hopefully.