Extro 4: Biotech Futures update, July 18

Max More (max@maxmore.com)
Sun, 18 Jul 1999 15:42:17 -0700

Here is an update on the Extro 4: Biotech Futures Conference.

Please send this to anyone you think might be interested, including any mailing
lists where appropriate.

Registrations are coming in strong. We're still tweaking the program -- I'm looking to find a Rifkinite to debate our gene patent expert Dr. Kate Murashige. So the Program may yet be updated again. I'll also be adding directions to the campus, information on checking in to the dorm rooms, etc. just as soon as I receive it from the on-campus manager.

Onward!

Max


You are invited to Extropy Institute’s fourth conference: B I O T E C H F U T U R E S
Challenges and Choices of Life Extension and Genetic Engineering

August 7-8, 1999, UC Berkeley

BIOTECH FUTURES brings together a unique group of researchers and thinkers to examine the technology and implications of extending the human life span and altering our genetic constitution.

The formidable array of speakers at BIOTECH FUTURES will cover everything from existing technologies to emerging technologies such as artificial chromosomes and stem cells to future applications of nanotechnology to intervene in human biology.

In the research arena, we are delighted to have speakers such as Dr. Calvin Harley, Chief Scientist at Geron Corporation. Geron has done or funded much of the recent starting breakthroughs in stem cells, telomerase, and now the nuclear transfer techniques used in cloning. Prof. Cynthia Kenyon, whose work on extending the life of c. elegans has received much publicity, will present her results and next steps. Prof. John Campbell of UCLA will explore existing and future technologies of genetic engineering.

Other top speakers including Vernor Vinge, Natasha Vita-More, and Greg Bear will examine the philosophical, legal, artistic, and psychological aspects of extending human lives and altering our genetic code, with a Saturday evening address by Max More, President of Extropy Institute, on the desirability of amending the human constitution.

This event will go beyond presenting ideas, no matter how informative and stimulating. Biotech Futures includes sessions showing what practical steps are
being taken in these areas, and sessions to help all of us communicate unusual ideas more effectively to the public.

Several excellent speakers and sessions have not been mentioned here. For a full list of speakers and the program, please see:

<http://www.extropy.org/ex4/e4main.htm>http://www.extropy.org/ex4/e4main.htm

Space is limited for the BIOTECH FUTURES conference and places are being taken fast. So please register right away if you don’t want to miss this unique event. People are coming from around the world to converge on this conference. Don’t miss out on the concentrated information, intellectual excitement, creative thinking,

If you have questions not answered on the conference web pages, please contact conference Chair Max More, at more@extropy.org or 310-967-3989