Human 2.0

Whether it was in a 5th grade science class or an Anthropology course in college, we all have a general idea of evolution. Throughout the eons, man has adapted to various environments and developed technology that would better the present lifestyle. In short, human beings were not always as they are now. What only few have begun to consider, however, is the fact that we may not be the final product; we might be the transition. Human 2.0 refers to what some scientists believe will be the new type of human. There are many predictions, ranging from a symbiosis of human and artificial intelligence to cyborgs—beings with both biological and artificial parts. In fact the only homogenous aspect

between these post-human models is the idea that change is coming and the present human form is at the brink of development.

The focal point of many Human 2.0 models is the human brain. Virtually the most complex and, inevitably, alluring organ, the brain is subject to drastic changes in the future. Some scientists imagine a brain comparable to technology, capable of understanding quantum mechanics and advanced computing abilities, even at the average level. Others believe the brain will gain the ability to interface with other brains and even machines. Still a new frontier in many ways, the human brain is sure to uncover many of its secrets to future generations, allowing for modification and giving way to the advanced post-human.

(more…)

On July 21, 2011, Patrick and Anne O’Mahony welcomed their baby daughter, Lucy, into the world at Cork University Maternity Hospital in Ireland. This was the couple’s second attempt at having a child after losing their unborn baby last year. The proud parents were delighted to learn that Lucy was healthy and vibrant upon her entrance into this world.

The couple lost their first child, Dylan, 5 months into their pregnancy and subsequently learned that Anne had a weak cervix, putting her in the high-risk category for miscarriages. Typically, problems of this nature are remedied by a cervical stitch which requires a five day hospital stay and a three month recovery time. The couple was the first in Europe to benefit for the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic device, which saw Anne’s cervix repaired and Anne out of the hospital and healed within a week. (more…)