Scientists from the Swiss Higher Technical School of Zurich (Eth Zurich) have announced a groundbreaking development in wearable technology, allowing these gadgets to control human genes.
In recent years, fitness trackers and smartwatches have become increasingly popular for monitoring vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns. However, until now, these devices have been limited to non-invasive monitoring and have not been able to directly manipulate biological processes.
In a publication by Swiss scientists, they explain that electronic and biological systems have been incompatible due to their fundamentally different operating principles. Biological processes are governed by genetic programming, which evolves slowly over time. In contrast, digital systems are controlled by software and function based on the movement of electrons through physical channels.
However, these scientists believe they have discovered a breakthrough solution in the form of a direct electrogenetic interface based on a microchip. With this technology, weak electrical impulses of up to 1 V can be used to control gene activity in real-time by targeting specific areas of DNA.
In a model experiment, the researchers successfully stimulated insulin production in pancreatic cells using an implanted chip. This opens up exciting possibilities for managing the synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and other proteins for medical purposes.
The authors of the article suggest that this new technology, called Direct Current-Cited Current Regulation Technology (Dart), could significantly enhance the capabilities of modern gadgets. These devices could not only collect biometric data but also analyze the body’s condition and regulate internal processes, essentially delivering therapeutic benefits.
While the potential of this innovation is promising, its implementation will require careful consideration of ethical and legal implications. Nonetheless, the direct connection between wearable electronics and living cells marks a significant advancement towards human cyborgization.