Virtual You: How Building Your Digital Twin Will Revolutionize Medicine and Change Your Life

Scientists are creating digital twins of humans to improve health and predict disease. Virtual You by Peter Coveney and Roger Highfield explains how to build a virtual, functional copy of a person in five steps, using multiscale modeling and new forms of computing. The book explores the ethical questions inherent in predictive medicine and how virtual twins and populations of virtual humans will transform our health and lives in the coming decades.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Virtual You is a captivating exploration of the groundbreaking science behind the creation of digital human twins, a revolutionary concept that holds immense potential for enhancing our health and shaping our future. This comprehensive account delves into the tireless endeavors of scientists worldwide to build digital replicas of human beings, encompassing every aspect from cells and tissues to organs and entire bodies. These virtual counterparts are poised to usher in a new era of personalized medicine, where your digital twin becomes an invaluable ally in predicting your risk of disease, participating in virtual drug trials, providing insightful recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes, and identifying personalized therapies to improve your well-being and extend your lifespan.

However, despite the immense promise of this technology, significant challenges remain. In this enlightening book, Peter Coveney and Roger Highfield take us on a fascinating journey, outlining the five essential steps required to build a virtual, functional copy of a person. Along the way, they introduce us to the latest scientific and technological advancements, such as multiscale modeling and extraordinary forms of computing, that will bring "virtual you" to life. They also address the ethical considerations inherent in realizing truly predictive medicine, raising important questions about privacy, consent, and the responsible use of this powerful tool.

What sets Virtual You apart is its ability to present science in a truly awe-inspiring manner. Through vivid descriptions and insightful anecdotes, the authors take us on a journey through the complexity of the human body, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries and technological innovations that will pave the way for the realization of virtual twins and even entire populations of virtual humans. The book's incisive foreword by Nobel Prize-winning biologist Venki Ramakrishnan adds an extra layer of credibility to the proceedings, emphasizing the profound impact that these virtual counterparts will have on our health and lives in the coming decades.

In conclusion, Virtual You is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, technology, and healthcare. It offers a captivating glimpse into the future of personalized medicine and the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. By exploring the science behind digital human twins, this book empowers us to understand the potential of this technology to transform our lives and improve our well-being. As we navigate the challenges and ethical considerations associated with this emerging field, Virtual You serves as a valuable guide and inspiration for the next generation of healthcare innovators.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691223278