Ghislaine Boddington, a researcher at the University of Greenwich, and Declan O'Regan, a Professor of Cardiovascular AI, explore the future of digital human twins. Ghislaine dreams of an AI companion that monitors her health and could even outlive her. They discuss how digital twins could revolutionize healthcare by continuously tracking biological signals and personal data. Ethical implications arise, including the ownership of our digital identities and the prospect of virtual representations living on after death. A fascinating conversation on technology, identity, and life's new frontiers!
The concept of digital twins introduces a new frontier in health monitoring, providing personalized insights by continuously analyzing our biological signals and habits.
Ethical considerations surrounding data ownership and privacy are crucial as digital twins evolve, requiring transparency and accountability to protect personal information.
Deep dives
The Concept of Digital Twins
The idea of a digital twin is introduced as a virtual representation tethered to our physical selves, evolving alongside us throughout our lives. This digital counterpart could support our health, learning, and daily activities by capturing extensive data about our physical and mental states. The evolution of technology, from the early days of space exploration to the modern applications in vehicles and structures, showcases the burgeoning potential of digital twins in various industries. The discussion suggests that creating a digital version of ourselves could revolutionize how we manage health and personal development.
The Health Monitoring Potential
Digital twins hold significant promise for health monitoring, utilizing data from tools such as MRI scans and wearable devices to create personalized health profiles. Initiatives like the Living Heart Project demonstrate how digital models can provide real-time insights into heart conditions, helping to predict patient health trajectories. A comprehensive digital twin can integrate biometric data, enabling better understanding and proactive management of individual health. This approach could transform the medical profession from reactive treatment to preventive guidance, akin to having a lifelong health advisor.
Ethical and Privacy Considerations
A substantial ethical framework must accompany the development of digital twins, particularly concerning data ownership, privacy, and security. The importance of transparency, choice, and accountability is emphasized, as individuals must have authority over the information that constitutes their digital selves. Concerns regarding potential misuse of sensitive data highlight the urgent need for regulatory measures to protect personal information and the integrity of digital identities. As digital twins become more integral to our lives, the conversation around ethical implications and rights to our data will intensify.
The Future of Digital Twins
Looking ahead, digital twins are envisioned not only as tools for health management but also as dynamic entities capable of enhancing our interactions in social and professional spheres. The ability to create intricate, lifelike simulations suggests that digital twins could facilitate deeper self-understanding and exploration of identity. Practical applications, ranging from coaching in sports to managing work-related tasks, represent how personal digital twins can aid in daily activities and long-term personal growth. Ultimately, the ongoing development of this technology may redefine our existence, allowing us to engage with our digital selves in transformative ways.
Ghislaine Boddington aspires to be interconnected with an AI digital companion that advises and supports her, keeps her healthy and represents her around the world. A twin that could live on after her death, or for as long as someone pays the subscription. In practical terms, a digital bio-twin is made up of continuously measured multiple biological signals from your body. These might include your heartbeat, breath, temperature and muscle tension, as well as food intake, exercise and mental health - all fed into an avatar body. By combining AI and, for example, scanning our bodies and faces, cloning our voice and mannerisms, our virtual twin will become more and more like us. In a journey that involves an MRI heart scan, dancing in a Belgium basement and a discussion about digital death, Ghislaine learns how to build her own digital twin.
(Photo: Composite image of Ghislaine Boddington. Credit: Ghislaine Boddington)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode