Can Tech Unlock Humans’ Full Potential?

What Happens Next?

29.9.23
What Happens Next?
Can We Unlock Humans Full Potential? | 87

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This week, Monash University's podcast, "What Happens Next?", concludes its series on transhumanism with conversations from leading experts in medicine, business, and design.

Monash graduate Alex Naoumidis, co-founder and co-CEO of MindsetHealth, discusses with our host, Dr Susan Carland, the untapped possibilities of new technologies to enhance cognitive and psychological abilities. He sees transhumanism as the next logical step in human evolution.

Founder and CEO of bioinformatics company EMOTIV, Monash alumna Tan Le, delves into the potential fusion of human biological capabilities and artificial intelligence to usher in a new realm of humanistic intelligence. Tan underscores the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the development, design, and deployment of emerging technologies.

Associate Professor Leah Heiss, from Monash University's Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture, highlights the need for societal and regulatory frameworks in emerging technologies to ensure responsible implementation. Leah also discusses the potential of nano and micro-technologies to help restore capacity to people who have been through hardship.

Finally, cardiovascular engineer from the Victorian Heart Hospital Associate Professor Shaun Gregory guides us through the ventricular assist device that essentially functions as an artificial heart. He shares stories of his patients who have received these devices, highlighting how this technology has provided them with a second lease on life, without diminishing their sense of humanity in any manner.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:

• From Student Startup to $77m Business
• Pigs with human brain cells and biological chips: How lab-grown hybrid lifeforms bamboozle scientific ethics
• Designing wearable technologies to solve pressing health challenges – Monash Lens

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with an all-new topic.

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