The genetic timer which determines how many times a living cell can divide (thus, how long a line of cells can live) has been determined. At the end of each strand of DNA, the molecule that carries the germinal genetic code, is a tail-like structure that caps it, preventing the end of DNA's double helix from unraveling. The cap (known as a "telomere") is made up of a single sequence of base pairs repeated up to several thousand times. Each time a cell reproduces, 10 to 20 of the sequences are lopped off. When none are left, the cell can no longer divide: it grows senile and dies. The sequence in question is made of six base pairs, TTAGGG, repeated. This includes 3 of the 4 bases, always paired -- what of the missing base, C?

What is curious is not just that all cells grow old and fail to reproduce, rather it's that some don't. In the human body, cancer cells are "immortal" -- they divide without end until they destroy the body that gave birth to them. While all cancers have varying genetic and environmental causes, they all contain an enzyme, telomerese, which prevents the shortening of the telomere during cell division. Telomerese is present in abnormal cells, but the telomeres are present in all nucleated cells.

What does this information mean for frequency research? It may hold the key to longevity. The very repetition of a specific sequence tells us that "frequency" plays an important role in the process of mortality. What it also tells us is that there is a relationship between not just the duality of life and death, but more importantly, among the triad of death -- uncontrolled life -- immortality.

Thus the frequency of the TTAGGG protein sequence can be determined. However, the actually frequency which will nourish the normal form and function of the telomere (and immortalize the cell) may very well be a frequency relationship between the sequence and telomerese. Research will tell. Thus the challenge for holistic researchers is to discover the frequency of immortality. The Sound Health Research Institute (SHRI), is interested in hearing from those who wish to contribute to this research.

V 08/10/01