Lengthy-distance area journey can wreak havoc on human well being. There’s radiation and microgravity to deal with, in addition to the psychological toll of isolation and confinement. Analysis on an identical twin astronauts has additionally revealed a slew of genetic adjustments that occur when an individual spends a yr in area.
That’s why some bioethicists are exploring the thought of radical remedies for future astronauts. As soon as we’ve discovered all of the well being impacts of area journey, they argue, we must always edit the genomes of astronauts forward of launch to supply them one of the best safety. Some have even recommended this would possibly end result within the creation of an all-new species: Homo spatialis.
If that is beginning to sound a bit like sci-fi, that’s as a result of it largely 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 Evaluation Narrated: How generative AI may 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, nevertheless, the repetitive chitchat (or threats) of a passing stranger forces you to bump up in opposition to the reality: That is only a recreation.
It might not all the time be like that. Generative AI is opening the door to thoroughly new sorts of in-game interactions which might be open-ended, artistic, and surprising. Future AI-powered NPCs that don’t depend on a script may make video games and digital worlds deeply immersive.
That is our newest story to be was a MIT Expertise Evaluation Narrated podcast. In partnership with Information Over Audio, we’ll be making a number of our tales out there, every one learn by knowledgeable voice actor. You’ll be capable of 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 Evaluation Narrated on both platform, and comply with us to get all our new content material because it’s launched.
