Advancements in biotechnology have allowed us to cure diseases and engineer organisms. But what if we could use these technologies to enhance ourselves? The stuff of science fiction is beginning to become reality. Soon we will be merging our brains with computers, living beyond 120 years, and editing our children's genes. We will have the opportunity and responsibility to shape the future evolution of our species.
In this session, we will explore the companies and technologies today that are working towards a positive future in three topic areas. First, we will discuss neurotechnologies such as brain-computer interfaces, neural stem cell replacement, and the intersection of neuroscience and AI. Second, we will survey the most promising advancements in extending lifespan. Lastly, we will break down the blossoming field of reproductive technologies, including better in vitro fertilization, artificial wombs, and embryo editing. We will consider the consequences of these technologies and their economic and social impacts on the future of humanity.
Today, we are able to engineer biology faster than ever because of tools that allow us to read, write, copy, cut, and paste DNA. In the last few years, we have seen an explosion of scientists using these tools to edit organisms big and small - from bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, to our own cells. Now we are beginning to reimagine our food supply chain, find new ways to cure diseases, extend human health, and improve our environments and the planet. Biology is this century's technological breakthrough that is already reshaping our futures.