By Trans I Mean Trans-HUMAN

Where do you plan to insert that?!

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, listeners. I cannot thank you enough for stopping by.
It is time for an episode of Tech Versus Humanity.
The question that I pose for you today is do
you think I am human? Or do you think I
am a robot? Today's episode is about trends, humanism and

(00:22):
human enhancement. We'll call it the Good, the Bad, and
the Ugly. Let's dive right into it. What would you
do if you could? I suppose that goes back to
the old genie in the bottle. Be careful what you

(00:43):
wish for. Nowadays, genetic engineering and CRISPER offers virtually on
limitless possibilities. CRISP is a groundbreaking tool that allows for
precise modification of DNA. It's based on a bacterial defense

(01:09):
system and can be used to remove, ad or alter
sections of DNA in living organisms. In humans, CRISPER has
the potential to cure genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis or
sickle cell anemia. However, concerns about unintended genetic mutations, off

(01:35):
target effects they call them, and long term consequences remain.
The ability to edit human genes raises major ethical concerns,
especially regarding consent for embryo's sake unattended consequences in designer humans.

(02:01):
There's also concern about editing human germline cells, those that
contribute to future generations, which could have irreversible effects on
the gene pool. While crisper is one of the most
talked about gene editing technologies, other approaches like viral vectors

(02:23):
for delivering genes into human cells are also in development.
These therapies could treat genetic diseases by fixing the faulty
genes directly within the patient's cells. And what of designer babies,
I don't want a regular baby. This term refers to
the potential for parents to select genetic traits in their offspring.

(02:48):
While this could eliminate genetic disease, it also leads to
concerns about eugenics, the practice of improving the genetic quality
of the human population nothing new folks and societal pressure
to conform to certain genetic norms. Traits that could be

(03:10):
selected include height, eye color, or cognitive abilities i e.
IQ or intelligence, thus raising concerns about any quality and
the social implications of a genetically modified elite. Ethical concerns

(03:34):
also arise from the possibility of parents designing their children
for cosmetic or performance reasons, undermining the natural diversity of humanity.
Many out there could certainly benefit from augmentation, and I

(03:59):
don't mean that in a bad way. I mean prosthetics
and bionics. Prosthetics are artificial devices designed to replace lost
body parts, such as limbs. People could walk again use
their arms hands. Traditional prosthetics are basic in function, but

(04:23):
bionic limbs are far more advanced, utilizing robotics and artificial
intelligence to replicate the movement and dexterity of human limbs.
Bionic arms and legs can be controlled by the user's
mind via brain computer interfaces, allowing individuals to control their

(04:48):
prosthetics like natural limbs. These prosthetics can restore functionality and
mobility to those who have lost limbs. Exoskeletons are wearable
robotic suits that can assist individuals with limited mobility by

(05:09):
providing extra strength, helping people with spinal injuries or elderly
individuals walk or lift heavy objects. They are developing neuroprosthetics
as well. These brain computer interfaces that allow the brain

(05:31):
to directly control external devices, such as robotic arms or
even digital devices. The technology works by detecting electroactivity in
the brain and translating those signals into commands for machines.
Colcular implants and retinal implants are examples of neuroprosthetics used

(05:58):
to restore low senses, such as hearing or vision by
stimulating the auditory or visual nerves directly. Other neuroprosthetics include
memory implants. These could be used to enhance memory or
cognitive function by stimulating certain areas of the brain. I'll

(06:22):
take another sixteen gigabytes please. Research in this area aims
to help individuals with Alzheimer's disease or brain injuries. They
even have smart implants. These implants are small devices embedded

(06:45):
under the skin to provide various functionalities, such as RFID
chips that can be used for identification, payment, or tracking.
Biometrics are implanted sensors that can monitor body temperature, heart rate,

(07:05):
glucose levels, and other psychological data, thus providing real time
health feedback or aiding in the management of chronic diseases.
We have mentioned BCI's brain computer interfaces. These allow direct
communication between human brain and external devices. This will allow

(07:27):
users to control machines, computers, or even robotic prosthetics with
their thoughts. This could revolutionize how individuals interact with technology
and lead to significant cognitive enhancements. BCIs can also be
used to enhance learning by stimulating certain brain regions to

(07:48):
improve memory, retention, decision making, and cognitive abilities. Drugs like
motiphenylin aderall are already being used offline labeled by healthy
individuals to improve focus, memory, and cognitive performance. The ethical
concerns about these substances include fairness and competitive environments such

(08:11):
as academics or workplace, and long term health risks. Neotropics
are chemicals and supplements that claim to boost cognitive functions,
including memory, attention, and creativity. As research into neotropics advances,
their use could expand, raising issues of equity, health risks,

(08:35):
and the social consequences of widespread use. One day, our
minds will be attached to the cloud. Mind uploading is
the idea of transferring human consciousness into a computer or
a digital format. It's often referred to as mind uploading

(08:57):
or whole brain emulation. While this concept is highly speculative,
advancements in neuroscience and AI could potentially make it feasible
in the future. The philosophical implications of mind uploading are immense.
If a person's mind can be uploaded, is the digital
copy the same person or merely a simulation of their consciousness?

(09:23):
Does this mean digital immortality or are there aspects of
human experience that cannot be replicated in a machine. Cybernetic
integration or human machine merging is the fusion of human
biology with machines is central to cybernetic enhancements, where technology

(09:48):
is integrated directly into the human body to enhance physical
or mental capabilities. This could involve the implantation of advanced
prosthetics or neural devices that blur the lines between man
and machine. Cyborgs or organisms with both biological and artificial
components could become a reality, offering individuals superhuman abilities such

(10:13):
as an advanced strength, sensory perception, or mental capabilities. Or
why not augment your sensory perception? Sensory enhancement through technology
could give humans the ability to perceive information beyond the
natural limits of our senses, for instance, implanting devices to

(10:36):
enhance vision like night vision or infrared, or to give
us new senses like echolocation. We already have these devices externally,
why not enhance our neural capabilities? Neural enhancements could involve
implanting devices into the brain that augment cognitive functions. These

(10:58):
enhancements might allow individuals to process information faster, improved memory,
or even control external devices directly with their thoughts. Unfortunately, listeners,
that's all the time we've got for today's episode of
Tech Versus Humanity. We've barely scratched the surface, so come
back next week for another episode. I can't thank you

(11:19):
enough for listening, and until next time,