Date: 14/05/14
Life spans have increased dramatically over the past few
centuries and are expected to continue to do so well into the future. Modern
medicine and a deeper understanding of what it is that makes us healthy have
played a large role in lengthening our lives. It is predicted that with
advancements in technology and medicine humans will continue to live for longer
periods of time.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology (the manipulation of matter on an atomic,
molecular, and supramolecular scale), is expected be crucial in future medicine.
Consumable fluids containing nanorobots which are programmed to attack and reconstruct
the molecular structure of cancer cells and viruses will be available. Some
speculate that nanorobots may be able to slow or reverse the aging process,
directly leading to an increased life expectancy. There is currently research
into nanorobots, about the size of 4 human hairs, which will be able to perform
surgeries at a minute scale.
Stem Cells
Stem cells (undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate
into specialized cells and can divide, through mitosis, to produce more stem
cells), like nanotechnology, are expected to play a large role in future
medicine. While some consider research into stem cells in this day and age to
be controversial due to the involvement and manipulation of the human embryo, I
believe that stem cell research is a positive thing and will help improve lives
in the future. Stem cells potentially may help us grow new organs and limbs and
possibly even replace our dying, aging body parts with fresh ones. This will of
course increase human life expectancy.
Sources:
Image 1: http://www.rac105.cat/media/asset_publics/resources/000/016/739/very_big/nanorobot1.jpg?1291968823
By Morgan
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