A Redefined Future: Breakthrough Technologies of Today and Becoming Posthuman

Brief Overview

A definition of transhumanism is necessary in order to comprehend the basic terms that will be used. M. J. McNamee and S. D. Edwards (2006) provide a clear definition of what it signifies:

Transhumanism is considered to be a quasi-medical ideology that seeks to promote a variety of therapeutic and human-enhancing aims. Transhumanism is a blanket term given to the school of thought that refuses to accept traditional human limitations such as death, disease and other biological frailties. Transhumanists are typically interested in a variety of futurist topics, including space migration, mind uploading and cryonic suspension. Transhumanists are also extremely interested in more immediate subjects such as bio- and nano-technology, computers and neurology.

Simply put, transhumanism is the desire to enhance the human body and mind through the help of technology. In the present times, the consistent pursuit of human enhancement either through bio-digital fusion or extremely sophisticated technology exists around the globe. Companies such as Calico Labs, Nectome, Sens, ROKIT Healthcare, and Bonac Corp. all provide cutting-edge services, and there are many more of these establishments.

There are many noteworthy examples of technologies that fit the aims of transhumanism; however, this article will focus on three prominent and intriguing examples of breakthrough technologies: Bioprinting, Neuralink, and Crispr technology, while simultaneously highlighting the inventions which exist in the current times that embody and represent the primitive stages of a Transhumanist future, and to understand what borders technology is breaking as of today.

Progress, Ethics, and Regulations

Advocates of transhumanism do not all share the same views. A spectrum exists, with extreme transhumanists perceiving the fundamental nature of human beings as flawed and limited, and that transformation through technological enhancement and fusion is essential. Extreme transhumanists desire to vastly enhance their intelligence and appearances, lengthen their lifespans, and gain more strength. Various methods such as genetic engineering, cybernetics, computation and nanotechnology are used to attain this posthuman condition. Advocates who are less radical, do not necessarily perceive the human nature as inferior or limited in some manner; however, these transhumanists do desire to augment it with technology where it is possible.

Ethical concerns against ongoing projects and research with transhumanist elements are regularly voiced, nevertheless, these projects cannot be halted completely. Experimentation behind the scenes is continued, even when the public’s ethics are threatened. Additionally, other growing concerns against the transhumanism movement include the possible moral decline in the population, because of the possibility that posthumans might become less empathetic to human sensitivities. On the other hand, a more evident and immediate concern is the growing gap between the rich and poor. In this case, it will not solely be in their financial status, but also in their genetic make-up and capabilities. M. J. McNamee and S.D. Edwards (2006) research claims that:

One extension of this line of transhumanism thinking is to align the valorization of autonomy with economic rationality, for we may as well be motivated by economic concerns as by moral ones where the market is concerned. As noted earlier, only a small minority may be able to access this technology (despite Boström’s naive disclaimer for democratic transhumanism), so the technology necessary for transhumanist transformations is unlikely to be prioritized in the context of artificially scarce public health resources. One other population attracted to transhumanism will be the elite sports world, fuelled by the media commercialization complex where mere mortals will get no more than a glimpse of the transhuman in competitive physical contexts. There may be something of a double binding character to this consumerism. The poor, at once removed from the possibility of such augmentation, pay (per view) for the pleasure of their envy.

Moreover, technological parts assimilated into the human body are exposed to the risk of being hacked for nefarious reasons. Joseph De Franco, Diane DiEuliis and James Giordano (2019) study reveals that:

The iterative development and utility of these devices are critically dependent upon the acquisition and use of diverse types and levels of data. These data, while force-multiplying the capabilities of neuro S/T, also render distinct risks in their relative susceptibility to hacking and manipulation. While tampering of any HMI is a cyber-biosecurity vulnerability, the capacity to access and control aspects of human cognition, emotion, and behaviour incurs a special category of risk (see Figure 2). In these cases, cyber-biosecurity solutions will entail protection afforded to neurotechnological devices, and whether and how the information cued on such devices is accessed and shared by others.

Modern problems will require modern solutions, and the field of cyber biosecurity should become increasingly more relevant as technological innovation gradually becomes more complex to handle and manage.

Currently, there are two conventions acting as global regulators when it comes to the control of developing technologies. The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The range of weapons these two conventions classify as dangerous, and in need of regulation is expansively vague. Consequently, this enables the two conventions to remain in power, and capable of regulating various types of inventions, or completely prohibiting them.

Regardless, even with the presence of these two conventions, global rules are breached, and there is no clear methodology on how to prevent unethical experimentation, as it is nearly impossible to account for all experimentations done across the globe. Scientists can choose to hide their endeavours to avoid punishment.

Crispr: A breakthrough method enabling human enhancement before conception

The progress in the fields of gene-modification has been significantly catapulted forward by the Crispr Cas-9 technique of gene-editing. The technique was developed and pioneered by molecular biologist, Jennifer Doudna in 2012.

Before the widespread knowledge of the existence of Crispr Cas-9, scientists inevitably had to spend longer amounts of time to produce any coherent results with genetic experimentation. Crispr technology essentially enables users to appropriate the immune system of bacteria, by utilizing the Cas9 endonuclease to cut the genomes of invading viruses. In a specific sequence, the Cas9 endonuclease cuts DNA, accompanied by a guide RNA. Consequently, scientists can prompt a cell to fill in any target sequence by providing their own DNA template, from a small mutation to a whole new gene, with a completely different purpose.

In simpler terms, the process which is described above, is fundamentally the copy-pasting of genes, to either add or remove genetic markers, thus curing genetically inherited diseases, or altering genetic traits for aesthetic aims. Evidently, in the case of global experimentation using the Crispr technique, science and ethics have clashed once again over the years since its conception and promulgation. The ethically accepted limit, in regards to using the Crispr technique, is the allowance of its application in human embryos in vitro up to fourteen days from creation. This restriction has been standardized by the international genomics community.

Essentially, edited embryos are not allowed to be birthed as of yet, and this is strictly upheld as the scientific consensus in today’s times.

On that note, this is why Chinese scientist He Jiankui, was heavily condemned, sanctioned, and penalized, when he had revealed to the world that he had allowed the birth of two genetically modified babies: Lulu and Nana. Jiankui had utilized the Crispr technique to allow Lulu and Nana to be resistant to the HIV virus, which they both had the risk of inheriting, because of their HIV-positive father. Jiankui’s initial plan was a liability to his own career and standing as a scientist from the beginning; however, it was easier to convince Lulu and Nana’s parents to be complicit with his idea, solely because they did not want their children to inherit the virus. Thus, after releasing his statement, Jiankui was rapidly removed from his university position, and as of 2019, he was sentenced to three years in prison, along with two colleagues.

The weighing and determination of whether Jiankui’s actions were morally sound and justified or not, is not the aim of this article. The relevant piece of information that needs to be highlighted in this account, is the sole fact that gene-editing is a highly sophisticated, and highly efficient scientific procedure, with immense implications for the future. Its potential is vast, and the opportunities it can provide for gene-manipulation is unprecedented. Hence, the reason for the strict global regulations surrounding its use, because its novelty simply poses too much of a threat to some. Its advancement fits perfectly with transhumanist aims; however, its development remains impeded.

An important catalyst for the brain-computer singularity

There has been a breakthrough in the field of neurotechnology with the use of nanotechnology as of this year; however, before this paper evaluates the aforementioned event, it is relevant to outline what nanotechnology is capable of. Essentially, nanotechnology enables the insertion of very small-scale devices into organs and organisms to exert control in one sense or another. Inserted nano devices can also create or modify neuro-pathogens.

In the case of Elon Musk’s company Neuralink, a coin-sized nano device called a “Link”, was implanted into a primate’s brain. The nano device connected thousands of micro threads to the primate’s neurons, which were responsible for controlling motion. The experiment was simple, the primate was assisted to play Ping Pong on a computer with a joystick. Simultaneously, while this was happening, the nano device had recorded patterns of electrical activity in his brain.

Afterwards, the joystick was disconnected, and the nano device had recorded the movements. The joystick was then removed, and the monkey was assisted to use his mind to play pong. The “Link” served as the interface between the primate’s brain and the computer. The primate successfully played Pong with only his mind. Consequently, the goal of the experimentation was achieved, and it was to demonstrate that the nano device was indeed functional. The “Link” greatly relies on AI systems to identify patterns, learn from the environment, and adjust the response to all of these factors.

However, this invention is highly susceptible to hacking and manipulation, and therefore poses a novel type of problem that evidently needs new solutions and the successful implication of biological cybersecurity.

The progress in refining brain-machine interfaces is a pivotal part to the path of transhumanism, and this successful experimentation by Musk’s Neuralink company is unprecedented. Technically, the event can be observed as a step towards brain-computer singularity, through the simple fact that the “Link” connects to the primate’s neurons. Considering that this is but the primary stages of development for Neuralink’s implant, the progress which they can achieve with the nano device in the foreseeable future remains vast.

The lucrative field of biotechnology

Bioprinting is the convergence of biology and 3d printing techniques. Evidently, it is a more complex process than conventional 3d printing, as it involves biological materials, which can evolve into functional tissues. Moreover, bioprinting assists in the production of biomedical implants and prostheses, such as the production of hip and dental implants.

The other inventions stated in this article have been viewed as more ‘disruptive’ and controversial, and given their transhumanist elements, it is clear why they are perceived as threatening, and why authorities impose numerous regulations to maintain control over them.

On the other hand, bioprinting is relatively less threatening, as it has made a positive impact in regenerative medicine. The bioprinting of various kinds of tissues, strongly aids medical research and testing. For example, synthetic tissues from bioprinting are used to test pharmaceutical compounds for toxicity.

In the current times, the bioprinting of whole organs is still not realizable; however, not unlike many inventions today, the growth of these technologies is rapid, as most of these breakthrough technologies are aided by automation. Automation is reducing the time and effort involved in bioscientific research. Machine systems are capable of multitasking, and are capable of exerting control on various physical aspects of biological platforms such as bioprinters. Additionally, automated technologies that control and survey biological processes provide large amounts of data, which is easily shared and stored through cloud computing networks. Overall, this maximizes the efficiency in the work environment for researchers and scientists.

Evidently, the use of these automated devices has increased. Bioprinting, in comparison to gene-modification and neurotechnology, is perhaps one of the less radical inventions that have transhumanist elements, nevertheless, bioprinting falls into the category of biotechnology, such as Crispr Cas-9.

Additionally, another benefit biotechnology has provided in the field of medicine is the production of bionic body parts, which signify mechanical body parts. Bionics are relevant foundations towards a transhumanist future, since the act of replacing organic body parts with that which is not organic but enhanced and more powerful, is one of the core aims of transhumanism.

A prominent example of a human utilizing bionics is Hugh Herr, a renowned biophysicist and innovator in bionics, who currently uses a pair of fully functional bionic legs, after becoming an amputee because of a mountain climbing accident,

Functional bionics for rehabilitation and substitution for lost limbs certainly gives hopeful sentiment; however, the use of bionics is not exclusive to this area. Bionics present the possibility to enhance human strength and capability, and evidently, this has led to the invention of exoskeletons. Exoskeletons are defined as wearable technology that decreases fatigue because of enhanced physical prowess with the assistance of technology.

It falls into the category of bionics; however, whilst the main inventions representing bionic technology involves the complete fusion of a mechanical body part with the human body, exoskeletons function as extended mechanical body parts. Exoskeletons can be paralleled to shells or suits.

Exoskeletons are increasingly being used in industrial environments, to assist workers in physically demanding labor. For example, Lockheed Martin’s unpowered Fortis suit is currently being used by workers. The suit enables them to carry heavy material and loads that would otherwise be too heavy to manage without the suit. Exoskeletons are also being developed and researched for military use; however, the state of exoskeletons at the current moment does not make them capable for use in combat.

Biotechnology proves to be a thriving field in technology, with emerging divergent paths of inventions being continuously created and refined. The continued development of biotechnology also plays a crucial part on the path of becoming posthuman, as it directly handles the technological enhancement of the external human body, which constitutes of more parts than the brain, or a sequence of DNA.

Final Notes

In the last decades, the pace of technological development has been incredibly rapid, and we can somewhat source this exponential growth back to the digital revolution in the 1980s.

The internet was the main catalyst that heralded a new age of unprecedented virtual social networking, cloud computing, global connection, big data, and accessibility to infinite amounts of information through a click. The technologies that are presented to us as of today, were merely conceptual tales of science fiction in the past. However, through the power of automation, the increasing sophistication of A.I., the dedicated research and work of scientists, and the possibility of instant communication and connection through the internet, revolutionary feats in technology have been accomplished, and it is only the 21st year of the new millennium.

The breakthrough technologies presented in this article, are only at their primitive stages of development, and yet they present an alarming amount of potential which can be used for the betterment of the whole, or for harm. Essentially, whether or not it is right or wrong for individuals to strive to become more than a human being, technological growth and innovations should continue to evolve and emerge. However, it’s essential to be aware that even though enhancement of genetic material, brain functionality, and physical capabilities might appear ideal, the potential dangers of transhumanist goals remain present.

Fundamentally, scientists are modifying elements of nature, and the natural state of affairs. This is dangerous, and the long-term results remain unknown and volatile at the present moment. Evolution demonstrates a consistent pattern in human nature, which is constant change and adaptability, and in human nature might dwell an innate need to expand and self-develop; however, judging from a more lucid perspective, playing God might have its dire consequences.