I once heard, fifth or sixth hand or something, that there is a theory that the only scientific goal really worth working on is immortality (or at least longevity). I can see the arguments for it. Death is such an awful waste.

Then again, sci-fi abounds with demonstrations of way the lack of death might be worse.

When I think about it I always end up see-sawing several times before deciding to think about something fluffy or at least solvable :)

(P.S. condolences if this is about someone close)