Google Launches Calico in the Hope of Expanding Human Life Span
On Sept. 18, search giant Google revealed Calico, a new company it would launch to tackle some of humanity’s most difficult problems, namely aging. But what is it anyway? Let's find out..
By Sadho Ram — 20 Sep 2013, 06:52 PM — Updated about 11 years ago
Google unveils new company Calico aimed at 'defeating death'
Google said it plans to set up a new company called Calico, headed by Apple and Genentech chairman Art Levinson, to develop technologies to tackle health issues related to aging.
The new company will be run separately from Google, the world's largest internet search company, with a focus on issues including life-threatening diseases and problems affecting mental and physical agility due to aging.
It will be headed by Apple and Genentech Chairman Art Levinson
Google did not provide any other details about the new company, including where it will be based, how many employees it will have or whether Page would have a direct role in its operations.
"While this is clearly a longer-term bet, we believe we can make good progress within reasonable timescales with the right goals and the right people," Google Chief Executive Larry Page said in a Net posting on Wednesday.
Calico will use expertise from Levinson's time at biotechnology firm Genentech in San Francisco
Levinson is also a member of Genentech's Scientific Research Board - a medical advisory group
Image via dailymail.co.ukWhy the name Calico?
The moniker has multiple meanings. The founders have said they liked the fact that “Calico” sounds like a truncated version of “California Life Co."
time.com
Another is a reference to the breed of cats. Cats have nine lives. And Calico will attempt to extend life itself.
Google previously tried to get involved in the healthcare business with limited success
Google Health, which provided consumers with a way to store their medical records online, was shuttered in 2011 after three years. Page said at the time that the service had failed to catch on with the general public.
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