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> The team genetically engineered a mouse strain that, when given a particular drug, makes an enzyme that cuts their DNA at 20 sites in the genome, which are th

> The team genetically engineered a mouse strain that, when given a particular drug, makes an enzyme that cuts their DNA at 20 sites in the genome, which are then faithfully repaired. Widespread changes in cells’ DNA methylation patterns and gene expression followed, consistent with Sinclair’s theory. The mice ended up with an epigenetic signature more like that of older animals, and their health deteriorated. Within weeks, they lost hair and pigment; within months, they showed multiple signs of frailty and tissue aging Maybe in the future the prison system will allow inmates to choose between serving a full sentence or taking enough specific epigenetic damage which equates with a particular sentence. For instance, a prisoner is given a 10 year sentence: 1 year must be served but the other 9 can be deferred by taking the injection, damaging the epigenetic modifications, and synthetically aging 9 years. Does the 1 year need to be particularly brutal so that synthetic sentencing is a viable option? I don't know - maybe it already is. I think I would take the injection.

vernon99 4y ago
Or, here's another idea - how about we just imprison people for less time? Since the largest portion of their sentence is meant not as an actual punishment, but as a deterrent for others anyway. (Also, I find it amusing how people find increasingly inhumane ways to treat their fellow humans, and with such imagination. It's also sad that this idea of excessively long, "Monte Cristo-style" punishment has become the norm, especially for non-violent crimes.)
- Pigalowda 4y ago
  That might be an idea. Perhaps give very short sentences but increase the severity of what were previously qualified as misdemeanor offenses? Such that speeding or running a stop sign incurred a 1 year sentence but it could be deferred with a 1 year injection. I think you’re right, that may indeed be a better solution.

vernon99 4y ago

Or, here's another idea - how about we just imprison people for less time? Since the largest portion of their sentence is meant not as an actual punishment, but as a deterrent for others anyway. (Also, I find it amusing how people find increasingly inhumane ways to treat their fellow humans, and with such imagination. It's also sad that this idea of excessively long, "Monte Cristo-style" punishment has become the norm, especially for non-violent crimes.)

Pigalowda 4y ago
That might be an idea. Perhaps give very short sentences but increase the severity of what were previously qualified as misdemeanor offenses? Such that speeding or running a stop sign incurred a 1 year sentence but it could be deferred with a 1 year injection. I think you’re right, that may indeed be a better solution.