Human Augmentation SIP

Part 2 – Human augmentation technologies

as the gut microbiome – differ in all of us and understanding foods that best interact with

them can yield significant benefits. This science is only 15 years old and further research

is required, but it has already shown how individuals respond differently to the same diet.^7

An estimated half of adults in the UK take supplements on a regular basis.^8 This market

is expected to grow to over £12 billion by 2023.^9 This trend is being replicated in

other developed countries.^10 Categories include sports nutrition, weight management,

vitamins and dietary supplements. The market is, however, fuelled by misinformation and

regulatory challenges, not to mention varying rates of effectiveness of the products.

For example, while creatine has been proven to increase power output and endurance,

results vary; to be effective its use must be tailored to the individual.^11

Section 3 – Core human augmentation

technologies

Figure 4 provides an overview of how human augmentation technologies apply to

each function and identifies four ‘core human augmentation technologies’ – genetic

engineering, bioinformatics, brain interfaces and pharmaceuticals – that could improve

psychological, physical and social performance.

Figure 4 – Human augmentation technologies and the human platform

7 Defence Science and Technology Laboratory report number DSTL/CR119817.

8 Community Research, (2018), Food Supplements Consumer Research.

9 Casey, A., et al., (2014), British Journal of Nutrition, ‘Supplement use by UK-based British Army soldiers

in training’.

10 For details of the Food Supplements Working Group (AK NEM) within Food Federation Germany see

https://www.lebensmittelverband.de/en/federation/organization/food-supplements-working-group-ak-nem

11 Buford, T. W., et al., (2007), Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, ‘International Society

of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise’.

Physical

Psychological Social

Exoskeleton

Sensory Tele-existence

augmentation

Neurostimulation Augmentedreality

Genetic engineering

Bioinformatics

Brain interfaces

Pharmaceuticals