The Internet of Beings: A Medical Revolution Inspired by 'Fantastic Voyage'

Milan, December 3 (The Conversation) – Inspired by the 1966 film "Fantastic Voyage," where a vessel and its crew are miniaturized and injected into an astronaut to clear a blood clot, we're on the brink of a medical revolution. Once a fantastical notion, this concept envisioned an era where microscopic sensors could journey into our bodies, forging a new phase of internet evolution: the "internet of beings." In this significant progression, global networks would transition from connecting computers and everyday objects to linking directly with the human anatomy.

At a recent Prototypes for Humanity conference in Dubai, leading scientists acknowledged the feasibility of such advancements. Envisioning an "internet of beings," they painted a picture of dramatic shifts for individuals, industries, and societies.

The idea of integrating digital with human physiology intrigues and alarms. Some tech visionaries imagine a path to immortality, while cybersecurity experts raise concerns over heightened vulnerabilities. In my upcoming book, "Internet of Beings," I argue this tech could trigger three profound shifts.

Firstly, constant health monitoring would allow early disease detection. Preventive measures, informed by personalized data, could replace traditional drug therapies, significantly trimming healthcare costs. In a country like the US, recognizing the silent signs of the 170,000 of 805,000 annual heart attacks could prevent numerous fatalities.

Secondly, these sensors, or "biorobots," could evolve beyond monitoring to healing, deploying treatments like aspirin for clots or triggering vaccines against infections. The development of mRNA vaccines during the COVID crisis represents a pivotal advancement, hinting at gene-edited biorobots capable of genetic repair through microscopic interventions.

Thirdly, scientific research and drug discovery could be revolutionized. Currently, hypotheses are validated through extensive trials. With interconnected health data, patterns could emerge, presenting solutions that researchers decode for understanding. This method promises faster, more precise, and economical medical breakthroughs.

The impending shift from one-size-fits-all to highly personalized medicine marks just the beginning. Individuals might receive health guidance influenced by real-time personal metrics like body temperature fluctuations or sleep patterns.

Medical research will transform fundamentally, moving from disease-specific studies to sophisticated "digital twins." These continuously updated biological simulations could redefine life sciences, enabling preemptive treatment explorations and realistic disease modeling.

The ambition isn't to halt aging, contrary to transhumanist philosophies, but to democratize healthcare, bolster systems like the UK's NHS, conquer cancers, and enhance global longevity free from disease.

The cautionary perspective warns of the potential erosion of our humanity through digitization. However, the "internet of beings" presents an engaging technological frontier. As we embark on this journey of self-exploration, reminiscent of the 1960s space optimism, we must tread thoughtfully. This time, the unfamiliar territory we land on is profoundly our own. (The Conversation) AMS

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