Future of Medicine (WIRED guides): How We Will Enjoy Longer, Healthier Lives

Living beyond 100 will be the rule rather than the exception by the end of this century. Medical breakthroughs and new technologies, such as immune therapies, genetic engineering, and medical research, will make this possible.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2021
Publisher: Cornerstone

Living beyond the age of 100 will become the norm rather than the exception by the end of this century. What medical breakthroughs and innovative technologies will enable this remarkable achievement?

In this comprehensive and insightful guide, journalist James Temperton, from WIRED magazine, delves into the medical revolutions that are reshaping healthcare. He explores the emerging immune therapies that hold the promise of curing life-threatening diseases like cancer. Temperton also examines the science and ethics of genetic engineering, discussing its potential to create "designer babies." He delves into the realm of cutting-edge medical research, discussing how it can revolutionize the treatment of mental and neurological disorders, ranging from depression to autism. Furthermore, he raises the intriguing question of whether medical technology could eventually lead to the end of aging.

Immune therapies:
Immune therapies are emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. These treatments involve harnessing the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. One promising approach is checkpoint therapy, which blocks the proteins that cancer cells use to evade the immune system. This allows the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells, leading to improved outcomes.

Genetic engineering:
Genetic engineering has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by allowing scientists to modify genes and create new treatments for diseases. One area of focus is gene therapy, which involves introducing new genes into cells to treat genetic disorders. For example, gene therapy could be used to treat cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system.

Medical research:
Medical research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare. By studying the causes and mechanisms of diseases, researchers can develop new treatments and therapies. For example, research into Alzheimer's disease has led to the development of new drugs that can slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients.

The end of aging:
The idea of living indefinitely has captured the imagination of many. While it remains a distant dream, medical technology has the potential to contribute to the end of aging. Research into stem cells, for example, has shown that they can regenerate damaged tissues and organs, potentially slowing the aging process.

Conclusion:
The medical breakthroughs and innovative technologies outlined in this guide have the potential to transform healthcare and enable us to live longer, healthier lives. While there are still challenges and ethical considerations to navigate, the progress made in these fields is exciting and promising. As we continue to invest in medical research and development, we can expect to see even more remarkable achievements in the years to come.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 131 x 177 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847943255