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Modified May 20, 2023 03:19 GMT

Blade of the Immortal, created by Hiroaki Samura, is a critically acclaimed manga series that captivated readers with its dark and gritty storytelling, intricate character development, and stunning artwork. Spanning over 30 volumes, it is the story of Manji, a samurai who has been cursed with immortality and is on a quest for revenge. The series was published by Kodansha from June 1993 to December 2012.

The first anime adaptation of Blade of the Immortal, which was produced by Bee Train, was released in 2008. Along with the anime, a novel, titled Blade of the Immortal: Legend of the Sword Demon, was released by Kodansha in 2008. In 2017, a live action film adaptation of Blade of the Immortal was released in Japan, starring Takuya Kimura in the role of Manji. In North America, the manga has been published by Dark Horse Comics.

In this article, we will delve into the ending of Blade of the Immortal, shedding light on the key events and themes that shaped its bittersweet finale.

Disclaimer: This article will contain spoilers for the anime and character fates mentioned therein. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

After a long and storied journey, the manga Blade of the Immortal comes to an end with the ultimate confrontation between the main character, Manji, and his archenemy, Anotsu, also known as the man-eating demon. Manji and Anotsu engage in a sprawling, epic battle that stretches across several chapters and culminates in a devastating and intense showdown.

In the end, Manji emerges victorious, but he lets Anotsu go because, throughout the series, Manji has carried the weight of his past sins, seeking redemption and grappling with the toll that immortality has taken on him. As the battle reaches its climax, he confronts his own inner demons, ultimately realising the futility of the endless cycle of violence and death.

Anotsu attempts to flee on a getaway boat, but stops as he steps upon the plank. Anotsu is called out by Manji, and as he turns to gaze at Manji, the former is struck in the heart with a sword by Rin, falling into the water, and she finally exacts her vengeance. Maji and Rin part ways after the conflict and resume living their peaceful lives.

The epilogue of Blade of the Immortal picks up 90 years after the events of the main story, and provides a glimpse into Manji's life long after the dust has settled. As Japan enters the Meiji period, Manji is still alive and looks as though he has hardly aged a day.

Over his long life, Manji has tried to forget the events of his past, but his memories are triggered when he meets a young girl who turns out to be Rin's great-great grandchild. She hands him a small knife, which is revealed to be the very same one that Rin was given by Doa all those years ago.

The hilt is carved with Manji's symbol and surrounded by Rin's flame, and Rin's family has passed the knife down through the generations, intending it to be given to the person who matches Manji's image. The young girl believes that Manji is the one that she was looking for, and he accepts the gift with gratitude, realizing that Rin's love for him will never fade.

The ending of the series is a bittersweet one, but one that reflects the theme of redemption and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.

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Blade of the Immortal manga ending explained - Sportskeeda

True immortality may always exist beyond our reach, but research suggests that human biology can at least be optimized for greater longevity. And a growing number of biotech companies are investing in research that could prevent and reverse the aging process in humans, including UK-based company Five Alarm Bio.

The company says it is committed to boosting the bodys defenses against the damage of aging, and its research focuses on how the healthy life of cells can be extended. Though anti-aging research may seem like science fiction, it doesnt mean its impossible. To paraphrase J. B. S. Haldane: The future will not only be stranger than we imagine, it will be stranger than we *can* imagine.

We spoke to Five Alarm Bio CEO Janette Thomas about the companys work.

Five Alarm Bio was founded on William Bains vision to interconnect academic work on the fundamental chemistry of life with practical diseases of aging, and a drug molecule that could test the link between the two. Bains is our Chief Science Officer and has been involved in biology research for over 30 years.

Not exclusively; the two are linked. If people remain healthy and active in old age, the likelihood of a premature death diminishes drastically. However, if longer lifespans are plagued by chronic illness or disability, a lower quality of life in their extra years is to be expected. When approaching increasing human lifespans, there must be equal emphasis on improving the quality of life during those extra years. And that means investing in research and interventions that promote healthy aging that prevent or treat age-related diseases and conditions.

Age-related diseases, such as Alzheimers, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis are major drivers of disability and pose significant public health challenges among older adults. Therefore, investigations into immune-senescence, epigenetic changes, and senescent cells should be a core focus for future research as it impacts all age-related diseases.

Aging affects every system in the body, and current research points to it being a system failure not a failure of one pathway, molecule, or cell. The mechanisms of aging are complex and multifactorial, with several key processes contributing to aging, cellular dysfunction, and disease, including:

Our foundational science has shown that targeting the chemical damage of aging can modulate a range of fundamental aging processes. Using a model probe on primary human skin cells, our results suggest we can reduce cell senescence, the chemical damage that accumulates in aged cells, and the decline in an individual's ability to heal a wound in cell culture.

We have also collaborated with Magnitude Biosciences to test the effect of our probe on aging in the nematode worm C. elegans, which demonstrated that our probe extends the healthspan of C. elegans by ~40 percent.

These initial programs are in chronic wounds, sarcopenia, and an evaluation of whether this has the potential to be a treatment for Alzheimers Disease.

Our future programs will target this core technology to specific organ systems and their diseases.

Though anti-aging science has made significant progress in recent years, there are still limits to how far it can take us and how much we can predict. The average lifespan has risen consistently since the 1840s by approximately 2.5 years per decade. However, the maximum lifespan has not increased by the same degree, and the mortality of centenarians has remained constant in the UK for the last 40 years (even though the mortality for all ages below 90 years has declined hence the longer lifespan).

Increasing healthspan is a more interesting and beneficial possibility than continuously increasing lifespan. By improving overall health and reducing the burden of age-related diseases, anti-aging interventions may help people live well for their whole lives.

There are several realistic possibilities for the future of anti-aging science. As we learn more about the biological mechanisms of aging, it may be possible to develop targeted interventions for specific age-related diseases, or even interventions tailored to an individuals genetics, microbiome, and other factors. These interventions may include small molecules, gene therapies, or other approaches that can slow or reverse the underlying disease processes. Biomarkers of aging may also be a useful tool for identifying people who are at risk of age-related diseases and for monitoring the effectiveness of anti-aging interventions.

Its challenging to predict the future many factors, such as technological advances, social trends, and policy changes, can influence these areas. I would like to see more personalized medicines, tailored to an individual's unique genetics, lifestyle, and other factors, which could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Additionally, the diagnostics available today could be hugely valuable if used routinely. Testing panels done every six months could pick up early signs of all sorts of diseases, in time for simple lifestyle modifications to reverse them before needing medication. I think people would make those lifestyle changes because they would see the measurable impact of their choices. The use of AI and machine learning algorithms could also be used to analyze large amounts of data from electronic health records, wearables, and other sources to identify patterns and predict health outcomes. Such big data could enable automated earlier diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases.

Your question may be alluding to the area of science fiction. Taking a step away from our aim at Five Alarm Bio, try The Long Habit of Living by Joe Haldeman as perhaps a plausible anti-aging medicine story albeit only for the rich and powerful! In reality, the future will be like nothing we imagine now.

As a writer and cultural enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the power of words to shape our understanding of the world. While I initially pursued a career in the music industry, starting as a classical pianist and later an electronic music producer for record labels worldwide, my true passion has always been with writing.

Now, as an associate editor, I write for the diverse audience of the pharma industry, covering everything from exciting new research coming out of academia, to new facility announcements, and more. I'm particularly interested in cell and gene therapeutics, as well as the societal impact of medicinal drug development.

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The Fountain of Youth: Safe and Effective Anti-Aging Treatments for ... - The Medicine Maker

SALEM On the 10th day of June, at 10 a.m., a gathering downtown will honor the point when, 331 years earlier, the hanging of a single survivor of domestic violence would establish a new, permanent identity for the City of Peace.

Historians, performers, and others interested in Salems witchcraft history will meet at the Witch Trials Memorial off of Liberty and Charter streets Saturday, June 10, to remember Bridget Bishop, the first of 19 accused witches executed during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693.

Bishop represents the first of dozens to be indicted, tried and convicted of witchcraft, with others executed in groups later on. She was moved through a deeply flawed court process on June 2, 1692, and executed by hanging at Proctors Ledge, near Gallows Hill, eight days later on June 10.

It was at that point, Jennifer Emerson with The Petticoat Pages says, that Salem passed the point of no return and the local witchcraft hysteria was given immortality.

Previously accused in 1680, Bishop was the only victim not executed in a group.

Remembering her as a fellow human being is crucial to understanding the madness that ensued.

A half-hour remembrance, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., will include 17th century music, floral tributes, and information about her life. More programming follows, running from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Old Town Hall, including a special performance of Cry Innocent.

Flowers donated by Voices Against Injustice will be available for the public to place tributes on the memorial stones of their choice. The rain location will be the Old Town Hall. The remembrance will be replayed later via Instagram, at the account @creativecollectivema.

Following the remembrance, History Alive, Inc. will offer the following programming in tribute to Bridgets memory at Old Town Hall:

In lieu of purchasing a ticket to the June 10 performance of Cry Innocent, the public may donate to HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) in any amount. Those who show a donation receipt upon arrival will receive free entry.

Turners Seafood (the former site of Bishops home) will participate by donating one dollar to HAWC for every Bridgets Punch ordered (including the non-alcoholic version) on June 10.

These events are presented by The Petticoat Pages in partnership with History Alive, Inc. to promote awareness against domestic and sexual abuse to inspire action to create lasting change.

Contact Dustin Luca at 978-338-2523 or DLuca@salemnews.com. Follow him at facebook.com/dustinluca or on Twitter @DustinLucaSN.

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Ceremony to honor Bishop, survivor of abuse, victim of Witch Trials ... - The Salem News

Another bogeyman has arrived to keep us awake and in fear of Armageddon. This time it is artificial intelligence.

The threat it poses exploded suddenly without warning onto media circuits as an existential threat to humanity, joining the growing list of other apocalyptic practices and forces we are asked to worry about.

Ironically, this time the looming end of everything human came from those directly responsible for creating it. Could it be what the poet Yeats called the rough beast, its time come round at last, (that) slouches towards Bethlehem to be born.

More surprisingly, its creators and once most vocal advocates have urgently called for a pause in its development. What must have happened in the Amazon, Microsoft, Google or IBM labs to motivate such a warning? What suddenly changed that merits such a request? We may never know, but there is much we do know about AI and its potential.

The first question about this sudden new threat is why was no one listening in the 1930s and every decade since as philosophers and a small cadre of scientists and engineers alerted the world to its potential. The second is whether the inability of humans to control it will be true.

Regardless it is here. Already broadly used in health care, data analytics and warfighting, it has demonstrated its remarkable power to find patterns in data, i.e., words, images and numbers. It can process information beyond speeds the human mind can never match. As such, it is safe to say it is here to stay, its advantages so powerful it cannot be resisted by economists, politicians or warriors. It will persist in these applications and quickly metastasize into most human activities, whether work, play, economics, etc.

The potential of AI to increase productivity is beyond our present ability to comprehend, and so is our imagination too limited to envision how it will change our world? It is not going away, and no fear-mongering or legislation can stop its effects on human civilization. It will change us and do so swiftly. We may as well brace ourselves for the shock to society at the door and make the most of it. Like the weeds that once found a niche in my lawn and replaced the grass, it will spread into every dimension of life. We must learn how to live with it, control its adverse effects and maximize its ability to improve the stability and sustainability of our species.

Technological innovations have always brought with them risks and tragedies as well as increases in our material comfort. Consider fire, gunpowder, electricity, the wheel, the internal combustion engine not to mention atomic energy. All contributed to positive transformations but always with adverse effects and even the possible to end of human autonomy; just as we fear AI will do.

Our relationship with AI will take many forms. Some will be symbiotic, as in parents to a child or as fuel to the fire. Others include subservience: us to it and it to us if we plan well. It will change how we work. Still, its development will come from our minds and hands, a human product. In that sense, at least, it will be subservient to us. It will eliminate the necessity for many types of work and free our species from the drudgery some work entails, but that will be at the cost of the contributions workers make to the stability and health of society. Without work, what will be the function of men and women other than servicing the machines and the AI code that drives them? This is just one fundamental question we should be examining.

There are many problematic possibilities, but none need to bring about the end of civilization or the replacement of homo sapiens with intelligent machines. Just as we have adapted to every other technologically driven change in our constructed world, we can adjust to AI and be the better for it. How we react, and the wisdom of our choices will depend on whether we remain in charge. Since we cant turn it off and it has already assumed transformative powers, we can no longer do without; what courses of action are needed?

The first step is to realize what AI is and isnt. It may come as a shock, but machine intelligence is an extension of human intelligence, and depending on your definitions is neither artificial nor intelligent. At this stage of its evolution, it can process sensory data faster than our brains. Still, the range of functions it is capable of is far from matching the power of the brain, and, for many reasons, it never can be. You can forget the notion of a looming singularity when your consciousness can be copied and uploaded into some cyber storage facility giving you immortality. Digital technologies cannot replicate the human brain and human consciousness. The brain is reported to be the most complex entity in the universe, so far as science can tell.

The human brain and mind deal with knowledge, and AI deals with data. They are not the same thing. Knowledge is a human construct and can exist only in a functioning human being. Everything else is data, objective in nature. Knowledge is subjective and a product of organic processes and that enable perception. Knowledge as experienced by humans is something a machine can never possess. Humans have capabilities machines will never acquire, i.e., feelings, imagination, anticipation, joy, pain and the genetically acquired cognitive mechanisms our species has developed over millennia to store and process what we experience. These capabilities give us a different kind of information resource that will enable us to maintain dominance over machines, personal knowledge.

Personal knowledge is more necessary than objective data collected by scientific inquiry in all of science. Personal knowledge is the engine that enables the brain to use objective data from observation, measurement and hypothesis testing to create understanding and insights. AI can never have such knowledge because it lacks those human qualities.

Great minds have explained all of this in the past: Kant, Whitehead and most famously, Michael Polanyi in his book Personal Knowledge: Towards ad Post-Critical Philosophy. My point is that humankind will prevail in the interaction with AI because our intelligence is of a different quality and more powerful than AI can ever be. That is not to say that our prevalence will come without consequence and loss. Much will be lost as well as gained. What comes out in the balance will depend on how we develop, manage, and use the power our minds have created.

Technology has frequently proven how disruptive it is to existing processes and patterns of life. Social media, a dumb application compared to AI, has adversely affected the traditional bases of how human autonomy develops. We have lost much control over the variables that shape our relationship with others and the world. We have allowed ourselves to become manipulated and shaped and allowed our values to be influenced by corporations and politicians. We have not learned how to manage these simple applications or even accepted the necessity to do so. Recognizing the deleterious effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, we insist on warning labels, have laws governing their use and availability, and punish those agencies that do not follow laws governing their use. In a sense, we regulate. We can and will regulate artificial intelligence.

It is absurd to ask that nations pause in their development of AI. That is akin to asking the tides to pause while we prepare for the oceans to rise. The sudden push to pause is but another example of how government fails to protect society. AI has existed since 1951 when Christopher Stachy released the first AI program at Oxford University. Even earlier, Alan Turing described the process in 1935 and used it effectively to defeat the Nazis in World War II. As always, it is too late for the government to deal proactively with possible existential threats. It is time to examine how they will threaten us, and the logical steps needed to manage and control them. We have done so many times in the past; failure to do so now is the real existential threat; one bound up in bureaucratic, akratic government. The storm is coming. Prepare yourself by understanding its power and how to shield yourself and hope someone in Washington takes notice.

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COMMUNITY VOICE: Another bogeyman to keep you awake at night - YourGV.com

Welcome, fellow humans and curious beings, to the weird and wonderful world of biohacking and human enhancement! Suppose you've ever dreamed of having superpowers or secretly wished for upgrades like Tony Stark, minus the capes and spandex (unless you're into that). In that case, this article is about to take you on an exhilarating ride through the realm of scientific possibilities and the pursuit of our true potential. So, fasten your seatbelts, grab your lab coat (optional), and embark on this hilarious and awe-inspiring adventure!

Unleashing and Understanding the Biohacking Movement

The fascinating nexus of science is biohacking. It brings together cutting-edge research and curiosities, fostering a community of modern-day scientists that aim to solve biological riddles and develop human potential. These biohackers, decked out in lab coats and equipped with beakers, strike the perfect balance between power and intelligence. They aren't creating potions for magical transformations or producing flying pigs. Instead, biohackers enhance our bodies and minds using biology, genetics, and cutting-edge technology. Imagine them as a cross between Dr. Frankenstein and MacGyver, pushing boundaries with implants, wearable technology, genetic engineering, specialized diets, and supplements. Biohackers are unafraid to undermine social norms, challenging how we define humanity and working on going beyond biological bounds. Biohacking serves as a playground for the intellectually curious and daring, a community where scientists, tech enthusiasts, and self-proclaimed geeks convene to exchange mind-boggling ideas and share knowledge.

Cognitive Enhancement: Einstein 2.0?

To unleash the latent potential of the human mind, cognitive augmentation, or as I call it, "brain bling," brings neuroscience, psychology, and technology. It's like attaching a rocket to your brain and giving it a turbo boost. Cognitive improvement can enhances memory, attention, creativity, and cognitive ability using brain-training activities, nootropic drugs, and brain-computer interfaces. The advantages are enormous, promising better concentration, enhanced output, and even higher IQ. In this developing profession, responsible use and ethical considerations are crucial aspects. We may resolve scientific advancement, individual development, and our fundamental values by understanding the potential and restrictions of cognitive augmentation. But let's remember to use our newfound mental powers for good and not to turn our neighbors' lawns into psychedelic art installations. So, put on your thinking caps, folks, because the future of brain bling is here to unleash the true power of our minds.

Physical Enhancement: From Wimpy to Schwarzenegger

Remember those days when you struggled to open a jar of pickles or carry groceries up a flight of stairs without wheezing? Biohacking has got your back through physical enhancement, where individuals seek ways to improve their strength, endurance, and overall fitness. From specialized diets and supplements to gene therapy and regenerative medicine, biohackers are actively experimenting with various techniques. For instance, CRISPR gene editing can modify our genetic code and enhance traits like muscle growth or cardiovascular health. However, such advancements raise ethical concerns and require careful regulation to prevent misuse and unintended consequences.

Forever Young: Extending the Human Lifespan

Ah, the never-ending quest for youth and immortality! Even if we haven't found the mythical fountain of youth, biohackers are also interested in extending human life expectancy and halting aging. Researchers are investigating therapies that can delay or reverse the effects of aging on the body by understanding the fundamental mechanisms of aging. Studies are being done on techniques including caloric restriction, senolytics (the elimination of senescent cells), and genetic therapies. While radical life extension remains unachievable, developments in this subject could lengthen lifespan and postpone age-related disorders. Therefore, bid those crow's feet farewell and welcome to a time when 80 is the new 40.

Ethical Considerations in Biohacking and Human Enhancement

Biohacking's pursuit of human enhancement poses essential ethical issues; ethical considerations are the gatekeepers to our scientific dreams. Critics claim that it might worsen inequality by dividing those who have access to improvements from those who do not. Concerns about the long-term security and unforeseen effects of biohacking treatments must also be addressed. It becomes vital to balance individual freedom and responsible technology use to keep biohacking moral and advantageous to society. So let's confront the difficult question: Is it okay to alter our genetics simply because we can? Creating a world where the genetically enhanced rule the dance floor or prioritizing equality? Let's not forget about consent. Consequently, while we explore the fascinating area of biohacking and human enhancement, let's keep our morals intact and remember that with great power comes hilarious responsibility.

The Future of Biohacking: Promises and Challenges

The future of biohacking holds excellent promises and significant challenges. Picture a world where we can customize our DNA, like ordering toppings on a pizza. With advancements in genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and neuroenhancement, biohacking can revolutionize healthcare, human capabilities, and overall well-being. Imagine personalized medicine tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, enabling targeted disease treatments. Enhanced cognitive abilities through neurostimulation could unlock new frontiers in learning and creativity. However, these promises come with ethical dilemmas and safety concerns. Ensuring responsible use of biohacking technologies, addressing issues of equity and accessibility, and establishing regulatory frameworks are vital to navigating the challenges ahead. The future of biohacking holds immense potential, but responsible innovation and thoughtful decision-making will be crucial to harnessing its benefits while safeguarding against potential risks.

In conclusion, biohacking and human improvement have everyone wondering where the line should be drawn. Will biohacking allow me to become a superhero? Should I get a brain update to recollect where I put my keys? Though there are excellent prospects in the future, let's maintain our concentration. Remember that it's acceptable to accept our flaws and occasionally lose stuff. We should approach biohacking with humor and a good dose of skepticism, never forgetting that we are already amazing in our current state. Go ahead and test the limits of what we're capable of; let's remember to take a step back, enjoy the show, and share a good laugh with the aliens watching us from outer space.

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Elevating Humanity Boundaries of Biohacking and Human ... - Siliconindia.com