Dateline: March 30 2030
“We as humans are an intrinsically technological species,” said Mustafa Suleyman in 2024, “and everything in our world flows from intelligence and life.” The development of smart systems (artificial intelligence) and bioengineering (synthetic life) are the two most powerful technologies, to date.
And they are changing our world in basic and fundamental ways. Smart chatbots and online assistants are handling customer queries, automating news and information flows, verifying identities and completing tax returns. More sophisticated systems are diagnosing cancer, discovering new drugs and supercharging scientific research.
And we haven’t even mentioned how smart sensors and robotics are making driverless cars safer and giving helper robots the ability to have meaningful conversations with their humans.
But it’s in the bioengineering field where even more profound changes in the way our world works are on the brink of exploding onto the scene. Aided by AI, biotech researchers have discovered ways to go far beyond simple cut-and-paste genetic manipulation. Now we’re starting to assemble synthetic organisms and novel microbes to take over from machines and chemical processes.
We’re also developing ways to reliably alter cellular design for animals and humans, to cure diseases, suppress mutations and encourage desirable traits. Designer babies and youthful, healthy geriatrics are just some of the potential “products” coming down the tracks.
When we’re able to resurrect extinct species, or even design fantasy creatures and enable them to survive, then we truly will have entered the era of synthetic life. Aside from the ethical questions, the biggest concern is whether we can control our “creations” and prevent undesirable mutations and evolution.
And then, will we be prepared to also make them smart — like us?
- First published on Mindbullets, March 28 2024
Synthetic life makes the jump from virtual worlds
Artificial DNA used to make live replicas of game characters
Dateline: August 8 2028
Now that scientists have perfected the technique of synthesising DNA, it is possible to take computer-generated characters from virtual world environments and make physical copies of them.
Following on the craze of designer pets, children can now design their own version of notorious game heroes, and have them “grown” by BioSynth Inc. Reminiscent of the action figure toys of yesteryear, these constructed creatures actually live, breathe and eat.
Although customers have free rein in designing the outward appearance of these man-made mammals, they are all based on BioSynth’s patented artificial rodent, and share the internal organs of a modified lab rat, which keeps their maintenance simple. BioSynth offers the creatures in two sizes, and delivery usually occurs within three weeks of upload.
Animal rights groups are still in the courts, trying to interdict BioSynth from producing the live toys, but as the pets are sterile and have a limited lifespan, legal definitions of animals are being hotly debated. Does a synthesised cyborg fly, used by the military, have similar rights?
Meanwhile BioSynth is being flooded with orders, as the millions of game players on the web clamour for a tangible clone of their favourite fantasy beast.
- First published on Mindbullets, August 9 2007
• Despite appearances to the contrary, Futureworld cannot and does not predict the future. The Mindbullets scenarios are fictitious and designed purely to explore possible futures, and challenge and stimulate strategic thinking.
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