The human brain is the subject of in-depth studies in science’s quest for a better understanding of how the billions of neurons it houses produce synapses and form deductive vision. Today it is known that human beings do not just see with their eyes, but rather emulate in advance and predict the next daily scenarios.
Neuroscience has revealed that visual perception is not simply a direct transmission of images from the eyes to the brain. Instead, it is an active construction of the organ that integrates not only immediate sensory information, but also past experiences, expectations and knowledge.
This means that visual perception does not operate in isolation. It is intrinsically linked to other senses, such as hearing, touch and smell. This multimodal integration allows for a more coherent and accurate interpretation of the environment. For example, the perception of an event may change if it is accompanied by a familiar sound or a familiar smell. The brain combines all of these sensory cues to form a more complete and reliable representation of the world.
This anticipatory and predictive vision can often become an ongoing invitation to go beyond what the eyes can see and explore the extraordinary potential of the imagination.
Reality invisible to the eyes
As the world becomes increasingly microscopic, operating on scales invisible to the naked eye, nanotechnology emerges as a transformative force with the power to revolutionize several areas of knowledge, moving from the field of imagination to that of science and applied high technology. in practice. It deals with nanoscale constructions, ranging in size from one to one hundred nanometers, opening up a new field of possibilities. Despite often going unnoticed in everyday life, its applications have the potential to radically transform our lives, especially our health journeys.
As we venture into nanometer scales, we are faced with the limits of traditional physics, which previously seemed insurmountable. The manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular levels allows the creation of materials with unique properties that defy the conventions of science. This nanoscale engineering capability makes it possible to turn dreams into tangible realities, from creating self-cleaning surfaces to developing targeted drug delivery systems that revolutionize medicine.
Therefore, delving deeper into the vision of American futurist Thomas Frey, that the future, after being imagined or idealized, starts to influence our decisions in the present, is a reinforcement of the imagination of unprecedented scenarios to expand human abilities through a journey not only organic but synthetic.
Synthetic health represents the cutting edge of modern medicine, where biotechnology, nanotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) converge to create medical solutions that previously only existed in the imaginations of science fiction authors. In exploring these innovations, it is fascinating to observe how many of these advances were advocated by visionary writers, whose works continue to inspire and provoke profound reflections on the future of humanity.
Science fiction inspirations: transcendence and singularity
In the film “Transcendence”, starring Johnny Depp in 2014, the singularity was already envisioned as a dystopian future using AI to simulate human behavior. Aspects of synthetic health, which were still imaginary in that context, have now become reality, such as the idea of using nanotechnology to expand human capabilities and cure diseases.
The feature film brings examples of tissue regeneration and curing diseases through the expansion of human capabilities, such as curing blindness through synthetic components and nanotechnology; the use of nano robots to improve the strength and endurance of physical capabilities, making humans stronger and more resilient; in addition to the preventive monitoring of health indicators in real time, applying quick digital solutions to mitigate risks and provoke preventive physiological reactions.
The film’s major allusion portrays the use of nanotechnology as a guiding thread for the “transcendence” of the human mind to computational systems. Imagining futures generates inspiration for engineers, scientists, researchers and developers in the search for new ways to convert possibilities into real experiences, accelerating the transformation of fiction into a transformational and scalable reality.
Nanotechnology and AI in the synthetic health revolution
Synthetic health, as a concept, encompasses the use of nanotechnologies and the rapid evolution of computing power combined with the exponentialization of health data – whose global volume growth, according to a 2023 Delloite report, was 36% per year.
These advances maximize the possibility of testing new artificially created components to supplant what previously could only be created by nature. Tissues to replace human skin, artificial organs and nanochips for specific and targeted treatments are already a reality.
Scientists at Harvard University’s biotechnology laboratory developed a synthetic tympanic membrane using polymer nanofibers, which not only restored hearing, but also improved hearing quality compared to the original tissue.
The work is being led by the Wyss Institute and there are already real cases that combine nanofibers, synthetic fabrics and neuroscience to restore the hearing of patients who could previously have become irreversibly deaf.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a synthetic skin composed of a network of nanofibers that promotes cell regeneration and reduces the risk of infection. This technology has been particularly effective in treating third-degree burns, offering a faster and less painful recovery for patients.
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals is conducting clinical trials with StrataGraft, a bioengineered skin product developed to treat burns. In phase III studies, StrataGraft has shown promising results, being as effective as traditional skin grafts, closing 83% of second-degree burn wounds. The company plans to expand the clinical use of this technology, aiming to minimize the need for autologous grafts and speed up patient recovery.
The automatic application of insulin through nanochips implanted in the body allows an immediate and effective response, reducing the risk for the patient. These chips continuously monitor glucose levels and deliver insulin as needed, eliminating the need for multiple daily injections. Currently, the product is in the animal testing phase, with results that are promising.
Nanotechnology today
All these inspirations lead to a reality where nanotechnology not only cures diseases and regenerates tissues, but also expands human capabilities and redefines the boundaries between man and machine. A recent example is the development of artificial muscles that surpass the strength of natural muscles. Scientists at Stanford University have created synthetic muscle fibers from carbon nanotubes that are stronger and more flexible than human muscles, offering the potential for more advanced prosthetics and exoskeletons to increase mobility for people with disabilities. Will strategic parts of the human body be replaced to improve performance?
Furthermore, real-time monitoring of patient health with implantable sensors is now becoming common practice. These devices are capable of detecting physiological abnormalities immediately, allowing for quick and efficient intervention. For example, a study published in the journal Nature Biotechnology describes the use of implantable sensors to monitor blood oxygen levels in patients with chronic respiratory diseases, providing accurate data that helps doctors adjust treatments in real time.
Synthetic healthcare in the future
The future of synthetic health is promising and full of possibilities. With the continued integration of nanotechnology and AI, the world is on the cusp of a new era where personalized medicine will be the norm. Implantable devices will be able to diagnose and treat diseases even before symptoms appear, significantly improving patients’ quality of life and longevity.
These technological innovations also bring to light ethical and social issues that need to be addressed. Equity in access to these technologies will be key to ensuring that an increasing number of people can benefit from advances in synthetic health. Regulations and policies must be developed to ensure the security and privacy of patient data while promoting innovation.
The current moment is a turning point, towards a new human reality, in which longevity will exceed the limits of the 21st century. According to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the first human being who will live more than 150 is already among us. Will this already anticipated barrier be even greater with the acceleration of the examples presented so far?
With the combination of nanotechnology, AI and biotechnology, the way is paved for a future in which diseases can be cured before they even manifest, and human capabilities can be expanded beyond our current limits. This journey requires collaboration between scientists, doctors, engineers and policymakers to ensure that technologies are developed ethically and affordably.
