On June 27th , I had the privilege of delivering a keynote at the International Global Chamber, where I discussed the transformative impact of exponential technologies in healthcare. It was an incredible opportunity to share insights on how these advancements are revolutionizing medical practice, research, and patient care on a global scale.
Global Chamber is a business organization that helps companies grow internationally by connecting them to resources, networks, and opportunities in various markets. It operates as a global network with chapters in different cities around the world, providing access to a community of business leaders, experts, and service providers. The goal is to support cross-border trade, investment, and collaboration, helping members expand their businesses across regions efficiently
Here are the key takeaways from my presentation:
The Exponential Progress of Technology
One of the central themes of my talk was the exponential progress of technology and how it disrupts and amazes us. We are living in a time where advancements happen at an unprecedented pace, creating both challenges and opportunities.
Gordon Moore’s Law and Ray Kurzweil’s Law of Accelerating Returns
Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, predicted that the number of transistors on a microprocessor would double approximately every two years, leading to exponential increases in digital technology capabilities.
Ray Kurzweil extended this concept with the Law of Accelerating Returns, describing how technological progress builds upon itself, resulting in exponentially faster advancements. This exponential growth has led to significant declines in the cost of computer memory and storage, making high-capacity storage accessible and affordable.
Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Drug Design and Clinical Practice
- AlphaFold 3 and AI in Drug Design
I highlighted the groundbreaking work of AlphaFold 3 by DeepMind, which not only predicts protein structures but also their interactions with other biomolecules. This innovation is crucial for understanding drug-binding mechanisms and is a game-changer in drug design.
Collaborations like those between Isomorphic Labs (an spin-off of Alphafold 3) with Eli Lilly and Novartis, as well as Sanofi with OpenAI and Formation Bio, showcase how AI is accelerating the development of new drugs, potentially bringing novel treatments to clinical trials sooner.
- Clinical Applications of AI
AI is also enhancing clinical practice. Tools like Savana Médica use Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) to turn unstructured electronic health records into actionable insights, supporting better clinical decisions. Savana Médica has processed 5 billion clinical documents from 20 million unique patients across 36 diseases in more than 250 hospitals worldwide.
- Patient Care AI Innovations
Wearable AI for Diabetes Management
The Accu-Chek Insight CGM by Roche is a wearable AI-powered device that helps manage diabetes by predicting blood sugar highs and lows, enabling more effective patient care.
AI in Stroke Detection
An AI-driven app can now detect strokes by analyzing facial symmetry and muscle movements with remarkable accuracy, paving the way for quicker diagnoses and timely interventions.
Support for Terminally Ill Patients
Platforms like Aimedis use AI to assist terminally ill patients with end-of-life discussions and provide comprehensive resources within virtual communities in the Metaverse.
Decentralized Science and Blockchain
Web3, NFTs, and Blockchain for Science
I discussed how blockchains like Ethereum enable open, democratic, and decentralized scientific research.
Tokens encapsulate the ownership and value of assets, including healthcare data and intellectual property. VitaDAO, with investments from Pfizer, is funding longevity research, such as ExcepGen’s universal pan-flu vaccine using self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), highlighting the potential of decentralized science (DeSci).
VitaDAO has also funded Dr. Michael Torres’ work on nullifying a nonsense mutation implicated in various cancers and age-related diseases.
This Bio DAO is also investing in innovative research on autophagy, the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells to regenerate newer, healthier cells. This research aims to discover novel autophagy activators that could potentially treat a wide range of age-related diseases.
Innovations in Genetic Engineering
CRISPR-Cas9 and Gene Editing. Advancements in CRISPR-Cas9 technology are improving vision in individuals with inherited blindness, enabling genetic modifications in pig kidneys for human transplants, and offering new treatments for sickle cell disease. Additionally, tools like ‘ChatGPT for CRISPR’ are creating new gene-editing possibilities.
Extended Reality in Healthcare
Virtual and augmented reality technologies are transforming healthcare by training doctors, enabling remote consultations, and enhancing patient experiences. VR is also being used to improve patient experiences during medical procedures, as shown in a clinical trial at Bellvitge Hospital, where VR improved the experience of patients undergoing chest drain removal after cardiac surgery.
3D Bioprinting and Additive Manufacturing
Bioprinting Human Tissue and Drugs
3D bioprinting is making strides in creating human tissues like skin, cartilage, and blood vessels, as well as in drug manufacturing, offering customization and reducing side effects. Companies like Merck are exploring these technologies to develop next-generation tablets and personalized treatments.
The Longevity Escape Velocity
Ray Kurzweil’s predicts that by 2029, we will reach Longevity Escape Velocity, where medical advancements due to the technology will extend life expectancy faster than the aging process, potentially leading to indefinite lifespans.
Adding to this vision, Aubrey de Grey, a leading figure in longevity research, emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of aging. His work focuses on regenerative medicine and therapies aimed at repairing cellular and molecular damage to extend healthy human lifespan.
Humanity in Control of Technology
In discussing these advancements, I also emphasized the need to maintain human control over technology. Noam Chomsky, in his essay “The False Promise of ChatGPT,” warns about the potential pitfalls of unchecked technological progress. He argues for the importance of ethical considerations and human oversight in the development and deployment of AI technologies. As we integrate these powerful tools into healthcare, it is crucial to ensure they serve humanity’s best interests, enhancing our capabilities without compromising our values.
Exponential technologies are not just a vision for the future but a current reality that is transforming healthcare. These innovations hold immense potential for improving patient outcomes, increasing efficiency, and extending lifespans.
As we embrace these advancements, the future of healthcare looks promising and full of exciting possibilities.
Finally, I would like to thank Yuka Nakasone, Executive Director of Global Chamber in Barcelona, for inviting me to present this webinar in their forum.
By Ángel González
Ideagoras
