The Big Chill
The quest for immortality, or at least to live far longer than we ever have, isn't new. What's different now is that longevity research is attracting the attention of mainstream investors, including hedge fund managers and C.E.O.'s who are casting their eyes and money toward a broad array of theories and regimens.
Time Capsules
Ray Kurzweil, a music-and-speech-recognition pioneer and the head of a hedge fund called FatKat, takes 220 pills a day to slow down the aging process.
His Own Private Ice Age
Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams is so far the highest-profile person to opt for cryonic suspension. Williams' remains were placed in an Alcor chamber after his death in 2002 despite an effort by his eldest daughter to stop the procedure. Williams' will stated a preference for cremation, but he'd also penned a note asking to be cryopreserved.
Age Resister
Radical thinker Ray Kurzweil at his home in Newton, Massachusetts. He believes nanobot technology, artificial intelligence, and medical breakthroughs will render humans immortal one day.
Immortalist
Finding a cure for aging is the goal of Aubrey De Grey, the controversial Cambridge, England, computer scientist. He recently made headlines by attracting a $3.5 million pledge in support of his work from PayPal founder Peter Thiel.
The Chambers
The Alcor Life Extension Foundation, in Scottsdale, Arizona, freezes the remains of dead people in liquid nitrogen. Alcor claims to have state-of-the-art technology, 77 "cryo-patients" in suspension, and 800 living clients.
Age Resister
Edward Throp has signed up with Alcor to have his body "vitrified" after death.
Life Is in the Details
Alcor recommends that clients in their final days relocate to a hospice near its Scottsdale, Arizona, facility or find a cryopreservation-friendly hospital.
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