Brain-Computer Interfaces, De-Extinction & More: 5 Future Techs Here Now

Nearly two years – 670 days, to be exact – have been spent with three individuals connected to computers via brain-computer interfaces, controlling cursors, software, video games, and more using only their thoughts. Pure thought converted into digital action, requiring no hands, voice, or movement. This groundbreaking technology represents a significant leap forward in restoring function for those with paralysis and other neurological conditions.

Meanwhile, in Texas, a laboratory has genetically modified 34 mice to possess the thick fur of woolly mammoths – a first step toward potentially resurrecting a species extinct for 10,000 years. And in Philadelphia, an hospital is assembling bioreactors designed to mimic the environment of a human uterus, with the hope of gaining FDA approval for use with extremely premature infants.

These five emerging technologies aren’t on the horizon anymore; they’ve arrived and are already being implemented. Three paralyzed individuals, a long-extinct megafauna, and thousands of at-risk newborns are poised to experience life in an era once considered impossible.

Brain Implants: Three People Are Already Using Them

In January 2024, Noland Arbaugh became the first human to receive a Neuralink implant, offering hope for individuals with paralysis. Following an accident that left him quadriplegic, Arbaugh is now able to control digital devices using his thoughts.

Currently, three volunteers – Noland, Alex, and Brad – have accumulated 4,900 hours of use with the device. On average, each individual achieves 6.5 hours of independent mental control per day. Alex utilizes Adobe Illustrator to create graphics, while Brad, who has advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), communicates without relying on eye-tracking technology, even in low-light conditions.

The Link device is approximately the size of a coin, invisible externally, and contains 1,024 flexible electrodes that read neural signals. It is wirelessly rechargeable, eliminating the need for cables or permanent openings in the skull. The potential for future advancements in this field is substantial.

Woolly Mammoth Revival: A Potential Reality by 2027

Colossal Biosciences has raised $225 million and produced 34 mice with woolly mammoth-like fur, identifying genes responsible for cold resistance. The goal, as outlined in their research, is to create a hybrid elephant-mammoth embryo by 2027.

The project leverages the fact that mammoths share 99.6% of their DNA with Asian elephants. Using CRISPR technology, researchers are modifying cells to incorporate genes for thick fur, insulating fat layers, and the ability to survive in temperatures as low as -40°C. The embryo would be gestated in an Asian elephant (as a surrogate) or, potentially, in an artificial womb.

The purpose isn’t to create zoo exhibits, but to reintroduce the species to the Arctic. Mammoths historically maintained grassland ecosystems, which are crucial for carbon absorption. Colossal Biosciences refers to them as “vital defenders of the Earth.” Whether this ambitious plan will succeed remains to be seen.

Artificial Wombs: FDA Review Underway

The EXTEND (Extra-uterine Environment for Newborn Development) system at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia resembles an enhanced amniotic sac. It provides a liquid environment, an artificial placenta, oxygen, and nutrients – designed as a life-saving bridge for extremely premature infants born before 28 weeks of gestation.

This isn’t full ectogenesis (complete gestation outside the body). The startup Vitara Biomedical has secured $100 million in funding, and the FDA discussed its potential approval in September 2023. Human trials could begin this year, offering a new hope for the most vulnerable newborns.

Bionic Prosthetics That Feel

Researchers at the University of Utah and MIT have demonstrated prosthetics with tactile feedback. These devices not only allow for mind-controlled movement, but also provide genuine sensations, thanks to AI interpretation of neural signals. In trials, a volunteer was able to distinguish between soft tissue and hard metal using an artificial hand.

With 3D printing, prosthetics can be customized to fit an individual’s needs in a matter of hours. While the cost remains high, it is expected to decrease rapidly. Losing a limb could become a temporary inconvenience, rather than a permanent tragedy.

Space Elevators: Graphene Changes Everything

Space elevators have been discussed for decades, and visible progress has been limited. However, advancements in graphene and carbon nanotubes over the last ten years are changing the equation. Commercial production has begun, and mechanical strength has been verified. Space elevators have moved from being “physically impossible” to “very expensive, but theoretically feasible.”

The concept involves thousands of small elevators, rather than a single structure, with costs potentially decreasing with mass production. These elevators would be used to transport materials, not tourists, and to make orbit – and the Moon – more accessible at significantly lower costs than traditional rockets. The timeline for this technology remains uncertain, but the initial steps are being taken.

The difference between magic and technology is that magic doesn’t have volunteers testing it – it lacks timelines and approval processes. These future technologies are already beginning to exist, and it’s up to us to decide whether to believe in their potential.