Human Augmentation SIP

Annex B – Technology review

Preventive measures

Preventative measures improve resilience and provide protection from emerging
threats. Human augmentation may allow the immune systems to be tuned so that
it increases protection against toxins and pathogens, and, possibly, to prevent
immune responses to implants. Technology could also be used to reduce injuries by
supporting the development of optimised physical and mental training. For example, as
described earlier, immersion in realistic virtual environments may help soldiers prepare
for traumatic experiences, preventing PTSD. As we approach 2050, the future soldier
could be equipped with an integrated, networked artificial immune system. The system
could consist of a wearable platform that would continuously monitor for threats and
automatically provide countermeasures, for example, an antidote in response to a toxin or
antibiotic or anti-viral in response to an infection.^109

Synthetic biology

Synthetic biology could be used to rapidly develop new treatments and vaccines. It could
also be used for producing biological weapons such as designer viruses and diseases.
Designer viruses and diseases could be designed so that they are highly volatile and
mutative, making it very difficult to produce effective countermeasures, or extremely
personalised to target specific groups of people, possibly even individuals.

Symbiotic organisms such as those that live

in the gut have a profound effect on the host’s

health.^110 It is plausible that genetically engineered

organisms could be introduced into the gut to

enhance health and/or performance and to treat

disease.^111 For example, it is thought that the

anti-diabetes drug metformin (which has also been

studied for its possible anti-ageing effects) may

act through its interaction with the microbes in the

human gut.^112

Precision medicine

Precision medicine is a move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach medicine to one
that tailors medical interventions to the individual. The field combines pharmacology
and genomics in an approach to tailor dosage and medication to individual needs.
The collection of biological, and other, big data and continuous monitoring will enable
specialised medical support for each Serviceperson and ensure that they are at peak
physical condition on the battlefield.

109 Sullivan, I., et al., (2018), Mad Scientist Laboratory, ‘Bio Convergence and Soldier 2050 conference’.
110 Bravo, J. A., et al., (2011), Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, ‘Ingestion of
Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the
vagus nerve’.
111 Hillman, J. D., et al., (2000), Infection and Immunity, ‘Construction and characterization of an effector
strain of Streptococcus mutans for replacement therapy of dental caries’.
112 Rodriguez, J., et al., (2018), Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care‚ ‘Metformin: old
friend, new ways of action–implication of the gut microbiome?’.