Posted on Tue 20 Sep 2011 under Science
In the future, scientists will be able to simulate life in the computer using new theories on mechanisms of evolution coupled with advanced computer simulation technologies. No more real animal or cellular models. We will be able to investigate the causes of diseases by using virtual biological models of any organism to a resolution down to the molecular level. We can dissect the complete progression of any disease and be able to identify the macromolecular elements that are potentially involved.
Zooming in on one macromolecule (e.g. a protein), we are able to predict its molecular structure with a high degree of accuracy. By that time, we will have huge libraries of molecular structures of natural compounds that we can use to search for drugs that can target any macromolecule of interest. These libraries will be searched through virtual molecular docking. Both the target and the drug will be modeled for coevolution so that the drug modifies itself virtually when the target is modified. This results to a fast development of new and potent drugs. We will always have new drugs for new forms of any disease. No more trial and error in taking old drugs that may be useless anyway.
These developments will come hand in hand with the successes in synthetic biology. From the computer, we can design viruses, bacteria or even human cells. For instance, we will be able to design any bacteriophage that attacks a particular bacterial pathogen. We can design specialized immune cells that target any type of cancer cells. Then these in silico designs are synthesized and then used for therapy.
On the diagnosis side, people will rarely need to consult with a doctor because we have built-in monitoring chips that always collect medically-important pieces of information/signals from our body. The information is sent wirelessly to a server where these signals are processed to be able to predict your health status and to pinpoint the possible causes right at the moment when you get any early manifestation of disease. The result is: We can deal with any health complication before they get worse.
These are the things that I personally consider exciting about the future of biology and medicine. I hope that within my lifetime I will be able to accomplish something to pave the way to this fantastic future.