The field of genetics offers the promise of targeting the genes that control the ageing process and tackling the genetic basis of many conditions. Better targeted pharmaceuticals could also help prolong active life. So called “nootropic drugs” and electronic stimulation techniques are already proving effective in enhancing our cognitive capacity and memory retention. And future progress could be rapid.
Human physical strength and capacity is already being prolonged by exoskeletons and 3D-printed replacement limbs, organs and cells. This should progress further with advances in stem cell therapies and developments such as “lab grown” limbs and organs. Nanotechnology and nanomedicine could enable brain modification to create extreme intelligence, improved memory capacity and to transmit and receive data directly from and to the brain.
Meanwhile, the world of work is likely to have been transformed beyond all recognition. It is likely to be reinvented by developments in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, other forms of automation, the uploading and networking of human brains, and smart technologies we can’t even begin to imagine today. From manual to clerical and professional roles, the level of human involvement could reduce dramatically.
What changes could directly impact the human body?
- Mapping and uploading of the human brain to the internet
- Enhancement of existing senses
- Genetic modification of our appearance e.g. skin colour, facial features, hair thickness
- Nanotechnology and nanomedicine to enhance mental function and enable direct transmission and receipt of data from and to the brain
- Replaceable 3D-printed/ grown limbs and organs
- Genetic treatments to enhance life expectancy and treat / prevent conditions e.g. diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s
- Use of nootropic drugs to enhance our cognitive functions and mental capacity (think NZT in the film Limitless)
- Physical exoskeletons to support our limbs and enable us to run faster and lift more
- Addition of new senses e.g. sonar, energetic connection
- Active skin, providing protection against different weather and environmental conditions
Rohit Talwar is a global futurist and founder of Fast Future Research and Fast Future Publishing. He is editor of The Future of Business and the forthcoming book – A Very Human Future
