Will Nanotechnology Lead to the Advent of Superhumans?

If nanotechnology continues to advance as experts expect, within 30 years it could give us ‘superhuman’ abilities. For example, we could survive for hours without needing to breathe.

We are already seeing the effects of Phase 1 of the Nanotechnology Revolution. It is supplying new super strong materials such as Graphene, it is providing next-gen waterproofing, super efficient water purification, and advanced battery power.
Phase 1 features the creation of Passive Nanostructures. Phase 2 features Active Nanostructures. These active structures are able to interact with their environment at the molecular level. It effectively allows us to reprogram nature. When we gain the ability to create these Active Nanostructures (phase 2 nanotechnology products), we will also have the power to create phase 3+4 nanotechnology products, which are already being designed: Three-dimensional heterogeneous molecular nanosystems, where each molecule in the nanosystem has a specific structure and plays a different role: We will have smart nano robots, that can be programmed to perform specific tasks, ie cancer destruction.

Basic phase 1 products are already on the market. Phase 2 products are currently in the laboratory experimental stage; we can expect to see phase 2 products on the market within 20 years. Advanced phase 3+4 products are already in the computational experiment and modeling stages, and are expected to be on the market within 30 years. The invisible robotic devices that will be created, will be used to enhance our bodies, computers, transportation systems, and our power supplies.

Check out the video below for an introduction to the capabilities of nanotechnology

Nanomedicine represents the most important area of Active Nanostructure research. Huge successes have already been achieved; since 2010, two nanotechnology-based cancer drugs have passed regulatory scrutiny and are on the market—Doxil and Abraxane. But we won’t even begin to see the incredible potential of nanomedicine until the 2020’s.

Nanomedicine Cancer Treatment

The ability to detect cancerous cells in their early development stages relies on the ability to monitor slight changes in the molecular composition of cells. Nanotechnology will allow us to do this far more precisely than ever before. Nanodevices are small enough to infiltrate areas of the body which were once only accessible on the operating table.  In the 2020’s, early phase 3 versions of nanodevices will be used in the body to track signs of cancerous cells, allowing early diagnosis.

Early phase 3 treatments, already in development, will radically improve the results of radiotherapy and new targeted infrared treatment, increasing the damage caused to cancerous cells, and allowing less/zero damage to occur to healthy cells. The video below shows brilliantly how nanomedicine will soon be used the treat cancer.

Further advanced phase 4 treatments, will be nanodevices that can independently track and destroy cancerous cells. Sounds easy? Soon it will be.

Further medical applications

Phase 1 Nanotechnology is already being used as the basis for new, more effective targeted drug delivery systems, as well as a new generation of ‘smartdrugs’. Also in early development are phase 3 nanodevices that can build scaffolding to allow the regeneration of damaged nerves, which for example will cure alzheimer’s disease. We are often told about how dangerous the free radical toxins are in our bodies; they damage cells and speed up aging. Currently in development are ‘nanosponges’, phase 2 nanostructures which absorb these toxins and remove them from the bloodstream. At three different universities, they are researching phase 2 methods of stimulating  the production of cartilage in damaged joints through the use of specially designed nanofibres.

Above is a display of just a snippet of what nanomedicine will achieve. Nanomedicines will lead to the prevention of all illnesses, even aging.

How it will enhance us

Not only will nanotechnology merely provide us with healthy lives, they will enhance us. They will make us ‘Superhuman’. We will transcend our natural biology. Some call the process ‘transhumanism‘, others call it Humanity+ (H+ or h+). Bioengineering is also contributing to transhumanism.

The most exciting human enhancements will be the ones which will have an effect to slow down, and even halt and reverse the aging process. You can read more about anti-aging on our Immortality Information Page.

Enhanced cell oxygenation

New artificial red blood cells, called Respirocyte, will massively reduce our need to breath. This phase 4 technology has already been designed and is currently undergoing further research, while awaiting the creation of technology to allow its development. They are spherical in design, 8 times smaller than red blood cells, and will each hold 236 times more oxygen and carbon dioxide. They are described as elegantly simplistic in design. They are powered by glucose in the blood and are able to manage carbonic acidity via an onboard internal nanocomputer and a multitude of chemical/pressure sensors. When developed, 3D nanoscale fabrication will allow Respirocytes to be manufactured in practically unlimited supply very inexpensively.

Once injected, Respirocyte will allow us to survive for 4 hours without breathing, or we could run at top speed for 15 minutes. It is possible that Respirocyte could be on the market within 20 years, but safety testing could see it take a further decade.

Find Out More

We have only just entered phase 1 of the Nanotech Revolution, and we can already foresee as possible the above incredible innovations. New developments are reported every day. Future announcements will explain how, with nanotechnology, we will extremely enhance our intelligence levels and memory capacity, significantly heighten our sense of awareness, and massively advance our athletic capability. All leading to the creation of the perfect human body, which doesn’t even age.

Below is listed other websites where you can find out more about the Nanotechnology Revolution.

The Foresight Institute
The first and oldest public think tank dedicated to the advance of beneficial nanotechnology. Foresight works with governments, researchers, and others, offering education about the risks and potential of nanotechnology

KurzweilAI
A site packed with essays and information touching on almost every aspect of transhumanism, nanotechnology, life extension, and artificial intelligence, maintained by Ray Kurzweil.

The Singularity Hub
The Singularity Hub is a partner with the Singularity University, it is a news network covering the latest in nanotechnology, robotics,  genetics, longevity, artificial intelligence, and more.

Humanity+
An organization dedicated to the ethical use of technology to expand human capacities. Delivers news, and organizes events.

Nanotechnology Now
The Portal to Everything Nanotech: Covers everything from new innovations in nanotechnology to investment news, research reports, and government and political issues surrounding nanotechnology.

Nanotechweb
Nanotechnology news, products, and jobs. Also offers a free weekly email bulletin.

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