Generative AI has practical applications in healthcare, aiding dentists and providing AI-driven diagnoses in remote areas with limited medical services.
Spatial omics combines advanced imaging, DNA sequencing, and computing power to revolutionize healthcare within the next three to five years.
Designer phages enable precise and customized production of drugs, potentially revolutionizing manufacturing processes in healthcare and creating new opportunities for low-cost drug production.
Deep dives
Technologies with Potential Impact in the Next Three to Five Years
The top 10 emerging technologies report, compiled by over 90 experts in 20 countries, lists breakthrough technologies that are expected to have a significant impact on society and the planet in the next three to five years. These technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and computing, which have the potential to advance climate change mitigation, agriculture, and healthcare. The report highlights the importance of assessing the novelty, significance, and disruptive power of these technologies.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI, particularly chat GPT, is a highly promising technology that has garnered significant attention. It utilizes data to generate complex answers and has practical applications in healthcare. Generative AI can aid dentists in identifying oral problems and allow remote areas with limited medical services to access AI-driven diagnoses. While concerns exist about its potential to replace human effort, its positive impact in the healthcare sector is undeniable.
Spatial Omics: Unveiling Cellular Processes
Spatial omics is a groundbreaking technology that combines advanced imaging, DNA sequencing, and computing power to observe dynamic cellular processes within the human body. By tracking these processes in real-time, spatial omics provides a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms and enables the development of tailored therapeutics for conditions like cancer. With its projected growth and impact, spatial omics shows great potential to revolutionize healthcare within the next three to five years.
Designer Phages: Redefining Manufacturing in Medicine
Designer phages are viruses engineered to transform bacteria into manufacturing factories for specific biologic products. This innovative approach allows for precise and customized production of drugs like insulin. By utilizing designer phages, medical treatments can potentially become more accessible, cost-effective, and scalable. This technology has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes in healthcare and create new opportunities for low-cost drug production.
The Metaverse's Role in Mental Health
The metaverse, a virtual reality space, offers unique opportunities for addressing mental health challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies within the metaverse, such as human-like avatars and immersive environments, mental health diagnoses and treatment can be improved. Studies have shown that some individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, respond favorably to interactions with avatars for mental health support. The metaverse has the potential to provide accessible and personalized mental health care to individuals globally.
Designer phages, spatial optics, plant sensors and bendable batteries - just some of the items on this year's World Economic Forum Top 10 Emerging Technologies that will change our lives in the next 3-5 years.
To talk us through all 10, we hear from the two people who led the work compiling the list: Mariette DiChristina, Dean and Professor of the Practice in Journalism, Boston University College of Communication; and Bernie Meyerson, Chief Innovation Officer Emeritus, IBM.