Race to contain COVID-19 sees researchers use AI to predict future deadly mutations
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF The global pandemic has caused unimaginable havoc but as Sars-Cov-2 mutates there are fears vaccines won’t be effective so researchers are trying to stay two steps ahead of the virus to prevent that from happening. Love the Exponential Future? Join our XPotential Community, future...
DNA based marketing is becoming a reality, and brands are cashing in
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF As gene sequencing gets cheaper, and as companies get more access to personal information, from biomarkers and wearables to big data, companies can target you in ultra-personalised ways you’d never likely dreamt of before. Interested in the future and want to experience even more?! eXplore...
New Nestle service uses your DNA to sell you personalised supplements
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF As genetic sequencing gets cheaper and easier companies are seeing an opportunity to cash in on it. Interested in the future and want to experience even more?! eXplore More. In 2017 a company called Food Ink, who used 3D printers to print gourmet food for...
Scientists have unlocked the secret to whole body regeneration
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF Humans genetic ability to regenerate body parts naturally was “turned off” millions of years ago, but now scientists have found a switch that turns it on – in worms. When it comes to regeneration some animals are capable of amazing feats. For example, if...
Space adventurers could be the first true ‘Designer humans’
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF Space is the harshest environment known to man and the idea of creating the world’s first genetically altered humans who can survive its extremes “naturally” without the need to take their artificial environments with them is gaining traction. At last year’s International Astronautical Congress in...
Scientists lay out plans to build an artificial human genome by 2036
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF When scientists can create artificial genomes they will be able to create new designer organisms, and humans, with entirely new, engineered properties and abilities. Scientists have put forward plans for a follow up to the Human Genome Project (HGP) with a proposal to create...
New genetic discovery will one day help humans regenerate damaged spinal chords
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF The ability to regrow, repair and replace damaged parts of our bodies using Regenerative Medicine could help humans live longer, healthier lives – and it could potentially help us live forever. One of the reasons why there are so many scientists today focusing on...
Top scientists met in secret to discuss creating the first artificial humans
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF Synthetic biology opens the door for custom designed humans whose only parents are a computer. Scientists can already produce viable artificial human eggs and sperm but earlier this month they took everything one step further when an invite only group of about 150 experts convened...
Scientists may have identified the genes responsible for ageing
Researchers have discovered a link between a protein and aging A protein found within the powerhouse of a cell could be the key to holding back the march of time, research by scientists at The University of Nottingham has shown and the discovery could offer a new target for drugs that...
Inside Ginkgo, the gene factory where robots help make new weird synthetic organisms
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF Creating new lifeforms sounds like fun and they taste great too. Raising glasses of genetically modified beer, the synthetic biologists at Ginkgo Bioworks celebrated the launch of their new automated lab last month and you can take a virtual tour of their facility here. By...
Researchers find evidence that ancestors memories are passed down in DNA
Researchers have shown for the first time that our ancestors memories can be passed down in DNA
Police use DNA to create photofits of criminals
WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF Many crimes go unresolved because there are no witnesses but now a new technique can create photofits from fragments of DNA. A murder has been committed, and all the cops have to go on is a trace of DNA left at the scene. It doesn’t...
