This category contains posts that cover anything related to health.
We’ve been doing geoengineering, transforming our environment, since the beginning of human civilization. In the past many effects appeared only local, or at most continental, while today they are global. The flow of real time information enhances our ability to assess the impact of the changes in the environment. The responsibility is ours to take […]
On the healthcare panel at the Frontiers of Interaction conference I spoke about the power of artificial intelligence to keep us healthy and help doctors heal us. A few years ago it was said, even by the experts, that there are easy things for computers, for example playing chess, and others that are difficult such as recognizing images, like distinguishing
Your brain is surprisingly adaptable, and capable of taking advantage of new conditions it is exposed to. Simple sensorial experiments in vision, motion, and auditory input allow you to reveal the unexpected consequences of neuroplasticity. Can the changes that we induce provide clues for better memory, faster learning, and higher degrees of intelligence? The following
Everyday neuroplasticity Read More »
by Roberto Vacca Big data applications in healthcare and epidemiology are very promising, if they can overcome regulatory obstacles. As it is always the case, a lot of the value that can be gained depends on the ability to interpret the data that is being collected. Finding patterns, and deviations from patterns is the best
The Swiss Cancer Mortality Paradox Read More »
Biology is becoming digital at an accelerated pace. The latest techniques are making it possible to as easily manipulate our genes via CAG (Computer Aided Genetics) tools as designing a building with CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems. The more and more sophisticated approaches have recently been upgraded through CRISPR. A new word with which all
Genome Surgery: Extraordinary And Imminent Read More »
Every generation of mobile phones gets richer with sensors and easier to use with smart software applications, enabling constant monitoring of fitness data, for better nutrition and healthier lifestyles. Recent applications in India will positively impact the lives of millions. It is a frequent criticism against technology that it only helps the wealthy, or those
Our mobile phones are empowering a new awareness of health and nutrition Read More »
Tomorrow I will be with ONE at the U2’s 360 concert, together with my sons. Image by One.org ONE is a grassroots campaign and advocacy organization backed by more than 2 million people who are committed to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Cofounded by Bono and other campaigners, ONE
A few days ago I’ve become a vegan. Vegans are those who do not eat meat like vegetarians, and also eschew animal products, like milk, cheese, eggs. When I tell people they laugh. I laugh as well, since I am a jovial person. But I am pretty serious. Here are five good reasons: I am
On becoming vegan: five good reasons Read More »
I have been invited to join the Scientific Advisory Board of the Lifeboat Foundation. The Lifeboat Foundation is a nonprofit nongovernmental organization dedicated to encouraging scientific advancements while helping humanity survive existential risks and possible misuse of increasingly powerful technologies, including genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and robotics/AI, as we move towards a technological singularity. It will
Joining the Lifeboat Foundation Advisory Board Read More »
Forbes writes that a pharmaceutical company, Hematech, produced genetically engineered cows that lack the proteins producing the prions causing the so called Mad Cow disease. My first reaction to the headline was “Great, so now unscrupolous farmers now can go back to their habit of making cannibals out of cows.” But luckily it doesn’t seem
Badly applied gene science, or just bad article? Read More »
