Make A Cryptographic Backup of Your DNA
And live forever?
I. Overview
This isn’t currently a live service, but they’re gauging interest. I, for one, signed up immediately.
What they describe, which you can read more about below, is making a copy of the genetic code that’s precisely you and storing it in a verified blockchain (what the cryptocurrency Bitcoin is based on) account. The more popular you are on the network, the further it spreads and more protected it becomes.
II. Implications
All of a sudden becoming a social media celebrity may be the only way you survive for the long term. My gosh, can you imagine what our society would turn into?
That said, what really needs to happen in this area is three fold:
- Copy, backup, and protect your biological systems (DNA to build you a new body)
- Copy, backup, and protect your brain’s neural pathways (Connectome for reproducing your memories, experiences, and ways of thinking)
- A way to pull it all together (3D printer for this new vessel)
And actually, if you step back and look at that, what we’re really building is a new robot. The only difference is it’s a genetic robot of ourselves, not some traditionally described robot made from nothing and machines.
Of course, the ultimate question here is whether the soul comes along with it. But I’ll save that for the next presidential debate.
— Sean
