1. Reducing the Military Death Rate Potential Research Program Outline For Discussion Only

2. Objective and Significance n Objective: Reduce the death rate (deaths per 1000 people) in the military n Significance: –In war, the side with the lower death rate has an advantage –In humanitarian operations (e.g., Somalia), reducing death rate reduces political embarrassment. –Transition to civil sector reduces danger of CBW

3. Why DARPA n Vital for National defense n Technical Challenge –NIH has spent billions, but hasn’t reduced death rate at all –Approaches combine information, biological, and physical sciences

4. Approach Overview Three complementary approaches, with different associated risks / benefits. n Bionic replacement n DNA Modification n Uninteruptible Life Systems (ULS)

5. Bionic Replacement (Low risk / low gain) n Replace worn/damaged parts as needed –Builds on DARPA work in: Micro/nano technology Medical information systems Logistics systems –Requires: Incremental advances in replacement part engineering (more organ types) Work with DLA to assure availability

6. DNA Modification (Moderate risk / moderate gain) n Use Human Genome information to provide total regenerative capability n Focus on mechanisms for “un- shedding” of telomeres –Aging related to loss of telomeres on DNA –Assumption -- full complement of telomeres is “stem cell” -- capable of regenerating any tissue. –Develop mechanisms for adding telomeres as needed Finding lost telomeres and reattaching Regenerating

7. Uninteruptible Life Systems (ULS) (Highest risk / highest gain) n All cultures have myth of “undead” n Approach: –Find members of class –Characterize biological and psychological differences from general population –Conduct experiments to determine which characteristics prevent death.

8. Evaluation Criteria n Speed of replacement / regeneration n Short-term death rates n Long-term death rates (50, 100, 500 year follow-ups)