Notes on actual/speculated real-world technologies which may appear in Synthnostate and sequels.

Gene editing & Synthnobiology

• Gene sequencing (reading)… [speed/cost progress TK]
• Gene writing… commercially available since ~2000s [speed/cost progress TK]
• Geme editing: 2012 CRISPR-Cas9 breakthru (with older roots…)
• mRNA injection: ~1987 proof of concept, 2010s “revolution”
• 2015: coronavirus gain-of-function research controversy
• 2017: first known crispr-edited human embryo
• 2018: first known crispr-edited babies born (illegal and widely condemned)

Transhuman & Posthuman movements

Transhumanism

• transgenderism (mere surgical/hormonal body modification)
• immortalism (conquer disease+aging)
• singularitarianism (replacement of biological life by AI+nanotech)
• technogaianism (“clean tech” but many potential dark sides)

Posthumanism

• post-postmodern continuation of rennaissance humanism
• opposes the old human-centric individualist worldview
• environmentalism, animal rights, robot/AI rights…

Uplift

• sentient gene-enhanced animals
• cyborg animals
• not necessarily a “furry” thing!
• aliens could do the same to humans…

DOD programs in the news

“Cyborg Soldier 2050” - 2019 unclassified US Army technical report identifies the following militarily relevant technologies as technically feasible by 2050:

• hearing and vision augmentation
• optogenetic programmed muscle control
• bidirectional direct brain interface
• recommends psyops to reverse cultural fear/stigma
• notably predicts military will lag behind consumer tech, as with electronics
• predicts massive societal division as a result [they looooooved DX:MD]
• 2020 says: lol

Optogenetics uses light-activated enzymes in gene-edited nerve cells

• to stimulate motor/sensory nerves via multicolor LEDs on the skin
• to stimulate brain cells via intracranial fiber optics
• widely used in research since ~2010

“Nextgen Nonsurgical Neurotech” program - aims to improve precision of EEG, transcranial stimulation, etc, to develop wearable bidirectional neural interfaces with capabilities comparable to implanted electrodes. Feasability unknown.

“Safe Genes” program

• reversible gene editing
• countermeasures against hostile gene editing
• removal of engineered genes from natural environment

“Measuring Biological Aptitude” program - mapping genes+biomarkers to provide individually tailored diet/workout guidance, and ultimately realtime feedback in combat.

Doubts

Past predictions - in 1989 we were told we’d be there by 2020 but all we have are better graphics, smaller faster computers, slightly better batteries, a few percent of our electricity from wind/solar, cellphones for all, mass surveillance, a Dumpster-fire Internet and a dying society much like early 3rd-century Rome.

Brain bandwidth - can neural interfaces overcome the human brain’s limitations? Consider the difficulty of displaying a simple HUD overlay augmentation: we can’t simply stimulate optic fibers in the corners because our peripheral vision is low-res; when we read text or examine objects, our eyes rapidly scan side to side so the high-res center can take in the details, and our visual cortex pieces everything together.

Quality - can augmented abilities actually surpass those of motivated individuals with good base stats?

Atrophy - will augmentations undermine naturally-acquired stats/skills? If smartphones are any indication, yes.

Opportunity cost - why bother with cyborg soldiers when hacking and drones are so effective?

Who would win in a real war - transhuman cyborgs or rednecks with rocket artillery and hypersonic missiles?