Dateline: June 24 2031
We’re off camping in one of the most remote state forests in the country, complete with two dogs, a family-size canoe and a tent for four.
The thing is, I’m diabetic and nursing an injury to my leg from falling off my mountain bike last weekend. And then I wrenched my shoulder and sprained my wrist loading the canoe on top of the SUV.
But I’m not worried. I’ve got the latest nano needle patch from Novo, and smart bandages and wound dressings from Glaxo. They use microneedles to painlessly penetrate the tissue at the cellular level and determine exactly what medication or supportive therapy is needed. Such as a real-time biopsy, 24/7.
The nano needles feed the data to the hydrogel system, powered by a bioresorbable “battery”, which communicates wirelessly to my MedicAI for instant diagnosis and feedback. With the XLR (extended long range) battery pack and Starlink fitted to the electric SUV, we’re never out of power or connectivity.
And did I mention that I’ve got one of those portable 3D pill printers, to produce personalised medicine on demand? It works like Nespresso, and runs off the car’s battery too.
So I’m covered for all eventualities and crises. It’s like having a fully-kitted-out paramedic in the trunk. The nano needle patches work like magic, and have been an absolute blessing to the military and people who have hazardous occupations. Such as living in a conflict zone.
Digital biotech sure has changed the face of health and trauma care and shortened recovery times. By tomorrow I’ll be ready to go for a paddle on the lake.
If you’re injured or have a chronic condition, getting the needles is the smartest move you can make. /First published in Mindbullets June 26 2025.
Printing the Philosopher’s Stone
Dateline: August 9 2029
Until recently, pancreatic cancer was largely considered a death sentence. But thanks to advances in nanotechnology, 3D printing and stem-cell research, the narrative is rapidly changing.
When Sydney artist Clive Tucker was given the chance to be part of a cutting-edge treatment trial, he jumped at the opportunity. Now, six months after his successful organ transplant, he is back on the local art scene and making waves.
Diagnosed in June 2028 with stage-three pancreatic cancer, Tucker began aggressive chemo and radiation therapy but saw limited results. When his oncologist contacted him about a trial involving stem cells harvested from healthy tissue, nanotechnology and 3D printed organs, Tucker was initially sceptical.
As one of 1,000 trial participants worldwide, he spent several months in a specialist facility where all the procedures were carried out, including the simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant. Stem cells are harvested from healthy bone marrow tissue, then transferred to a bioreactor for further cultivation. Once cultivated the stem cells are mixed with bioprinter ink and, using an innovative nanotech-based ink distribution system, are used to print replacement organs.
The 3D printed organs were successfully transplanted in March this year, after which Tucker spent several weeks being monitored at the facility before being transferred to a Sydney convalescent home for the remainder of his recovery.
The initial trial recorded a 78% success rate, with only 220 of the 1,000 patients experiencing post-transplant complications, ranging from infection and post-transplant diabetes to rejection, which was recorded in only 29 cases. Statistically speaking, a 2.9% rejection rate is lower than normal, most likely because of the organ being grown from the recipient’s own stem cells.
With the success of this experiment several additional trials are planned for the next two years, including liver and lung transplants. With future success in 3D printed organ replacements all but guaranteed, immortality seems that much closer at hand. /First published in Mindbullets July 7 2022.
• 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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