It is interesting reading about the advances and enhancements that have been made to this thing we call life. Only in the past century have we truly begun to understand the functions of our dimensions; and only recently have we been capable of altering and adding to these functions. We've reached a point in science where we are to decide on the ultimate fate of its direction and synergy with technology. We are either to alter our existing biology, or we are to engineer new biological structures. Solutions for these directions are already being researched and developed. The evolution and expansion of nanotechnology has provided for an interface to access these solutions and propel us into a future, like always, we thought would never come.

This past year, Engineers in Japan have created the first nano-CPU at only 10 nanometers in length capable of dynamic receptor-based computation. In other words, computation based on the cellular interaction of engineered neurons. Shortly these CPUs will be networked to create Neuronets equivalent to the human brain, with the exception being that each computerized neuron will contain a mini-CPU of its own capable of processing instructions, and eventually thinking for itself. R&D labs across the world are forming new means of interacting with the atoms of our composition.Chemical brains are capable of controlling nanobots(cellular robots) to perform functions that only living things used to be capable of performing. As stated in the article, "the molecular device - just two billionths of a metre across - was able to control eight of the microscopic machines simultaneously in a test."

Reading and writing DNA becomes the next big topic of future technology structures. Studies are being undertaken, in an effort to map the ocean's biodiversity, to accomplish this very task. A brief overview of the project is given in the following video from TED:

These studies involving the decoding of genomes has taken vast leaps in progress. Juan Rodreguez speaks in the following TED video describing the next steps of decoding the future with Genomics. This fascinating video divulges into the depths of genomic research and development projects that are bringing some of these futuristic ideas to fruition.

Well now that we have a solid foundation underway for genomic classification, engineering, and assembly, what would some of the technological applications look like? Well one example would most obviously be within the medical field. Imagine being capable of regenerating limbs much like that of a Gecko. Impossible? Well Alan Russell, Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine speaks in this TED presentation on the work of his research in the regenerative medicine field, and the direction of the applications their findings are bringing about.

The future is best propagated through knowledge and innovation. However, at what point does innovation overcome knowledge, and at what cost is this path hindered? In this phenomenal TED speach, Juan Enriquez describes how all hydrocarbons are really just compressed sunlight, and how we might soon be able to use this fact to not only start growing our own energy, but even using light as a source of food.

All of this information and technology leads us to believe that we are heading toward an age of agelessness, where we forever create worlds and realms that are more than virtual. To some It may appear as if our innovation is destined to outlast the very civilization that built it. I will leave you with one last TED talk by Aubrey Degrey on why we age, and how we can avoid it. In his fast paced speech, Mr. Degrey outlines a possible future for an ageless society.

Facinating. Isn't it?