Lengthy-distance area journey can wreak havoc on human well being. There’s radiation and microgravity to take care of, in addition to the psychological toll of isolation and confinement. Analysis on an identical twin astronauts has additionally revealed a slew of genetic modifications that occur when an individual spends a yr in area.
That’s why some bioethicists are exploring the thought of radical therapies for future astronauts. As soon as we’ve discovered all of the well being impacts of area journey, they argue, we should always edit the genomes of astronauts forward of launch to supply them the very best safety. Some have even instructed this would possibly end result within the creation of an all-new species: Homo spatialis.Â
If that is beginning to sound a bit like sci-fi, that’s as a result of it principally is, for now. However there are biotechnologies we will use to assist area vacationers now, too.
—Jessica Hamzelou
This story is from The Checkup, our weekly well being and biotech publication. Enroll to obtain it in your inbox each Thursday.
MIT Expertise Overview Narrated: How generative AI might reinvent what it means to play
Open-world video video games are inhabited by huge crowds of computer-controlled characters. They make digital worlds really feel lived in and full.
After some time, nonetheless, the repetitive chitchat (or threats) of a passing stranger forces you to bump up towards the reality: That is only a sport.
It might not at all times be like that. Generative AI is opening the door to thoroughly new sorts of in-game interactions which are open-ended, inventive, and sudden. Future AI-powered NPCs that don’t depend on a script might make video games and digital worlds deeply immersive.
That is our newest story to be became a MIT Expertise Overview Narrated podcast. In partnership with Information Over Audio, we’ll be making a number of our tales out there, every one learn by an expert voice actor. You’ll be capable to hearken to them on the go or obtain them to hearken to offline.
We’re publishing a brand new story every week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, together with some taken from our most up-to-date print journal. Simply navigate to MIT Expertise Overview Narrated on both platform, and comply with us to get all our new content material because it’s launched.