You know how we’re going to become man-machines?
It won’t be because we want to be smarter or do make our bodies stronger.. I think, at first, it will be to build a better immune system.
Human immune systems suck. We’ve re-engineered the whole world, and yet when we get ill, our bodies’ first response is inflammation and fever and snot and gunk. It’s like hitting a nut with a sledgehammer every time, in case that nut is occasionally a real tough nut to crack. Fine if the job of the immune system is to stop us dying. But in a world of better sanitation and understanding of disease and vaccines and medicines, the body’s innate immune system is a bit heavy handed.
Our second immune system – you know, the adaptive one, that responds specifically to whatever beastie is bothering us, is slow. Specific but slow. When I order food or a taxi, I want it in 5 minutes, dammit. Not in 3 days. So why is my immune system getting its shit together in 3 days? And then, next time we encounter the same beastie, it still takes an age to kick in.
I know. I’m ungrateful to biology. Also, #firstworldproblems.
I want better.
I want an immune system that is stronger and better when my life is threatened.
And more subtle and specific when I’ve just encountered a cold virus.
I don’t want snot or fever or headaches. Technology has made humans productivity machines so why is my body getting in the way of getting shit done because evolution is too focused on survival to invent a kickass immune system.
I want a solution. I want nanbots. And I want them in my body. And I want them connected to the internet, so we can download updates when new strains of beastie appear.
These nanobots will be fast, powerful, precise and, when required, subtle.
I want an upgraded immune system. And when it arrives, I won’t be the only one who will see the benefit and will let go of the fear of becoming more than human and will let the nanobots in.
Who’s with me?
Here’s an article on why we haven’t been upgraded yet.
Here’s a primer on medical nanobot types.
Here’s the latest on using nanobts to treat a type of cancer in mice.
