ABSTRACT
Research Projects Agency (DARPA).” She made brief eye contact with Amy from NIH and Stu from DARPA. “I would venture to say that this is proof positive that federal agencies can work together.” (Laughter) “Of course, nothing I say here represents the views of either of these agencies. Many of you here have read our initial publications. Since then, as most of you know, we have started a company-Intellimune. Our current goal is to turn the coronary arterial buildup into a target for the body’s own immune system, which would create the possibility of a lifelong cleansing mechanism. This study is a first step in that direction. Nanoscale imaging agents are bonded to the fat deposits on the arterial wall, and the white blood cells attack these agents effectively destroying these cells and preventing plaque build-up that can lead to coronary disease.” “The next image is from a camera on a catheter on one section of the dog’s artery, showing changes in time-lapse format, at the rate of one image an hour.” There were a few appreciative murmurs from those who could see the small changes. “I know these changes may appear to be barely perceptible and hard to see, but look here,” she pointed to a part of the screen. “This slightly darker area here is the imaging agent-you can see how the artery widens there as time progresses.” More murmurs and a few gasps. “Good-enough of them see it.” “We have developed methods for testing, iterating, and improving these techniques ex vivo which means we can limit animal testing to a minimum.” Not just a nod toward PETA-Francesca meant it, she hated having to sacrifice animals. Someday, she would develop biological/mechanical hybrid systems specifically for testing. “This technology is potentially a giant step toward a cure for arteriosclerosis, but it is also provides a promising proof of concept that we can achieve, collectively, something even larger-a technological complement to enhance our existing immune system, under conscious, rational control. The immune system is the result of millions of years of evolution, and has a built-in intelligence. But intelligence itself is also the product of millions of years of evolution. Intelligence can respond more rapidly to new threats to the human body than evolution can. Just think if we could eliminate auto-immune diseases, for example, through conscious modulation and adaptation of the immune system.” She was careful to avoid the word control-and also careful not to use the word immortality. Otherwise
every religious group in the country would be down her throat. This immune system idea was radical enough. “Questions for Doctor Steiner?” “Are you ready to conduct human tests of your nano-enhanced immune system?” Perfect. “Thank you for asking me that question in front of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” She gestured toward Carlos, the FDA representative in the room. (Laughter) This was good. “I am pleased to announce we are planning the first human trial.” Here she saw Carlos frown and sit up straight. “In the great tradition of Barry Marshall* and other pioneers of medicine, I will be the subject. In the great tradition of Barry Marshall, I might end up with a Nobel, too.” Three months after her press conference, the top YouTube video was the news release from Francesca Steiner’s physician at NIH. “Dr. Steiner’s immune system reacted to a few of the machines. The surgeon took the necessary steps to flush them out of the system, but the immune response interfered with the controls and a few remained, though they were completely inactive. We are waiting for them to flush out of the system. Here is Dr. Steiner.” The camera moved to Francesca in a hospital bed, propped up and pale. She spoke into a microphone, barely above a whisper. “I am ill not because my nanomachines did not work. The parts of my coronary arteries they worked on are clean. I am ill because my primitive immune system is fighting its ally. This is why we need to couple the natural and technological systems. “I was only six when an American landed on the moon-and I will never forget it. I want America to aspire to something much greater. I propose a National Initiative on Human Longevity. This initiative would also advance other goals-like space exploration. Imagine not just robots but astronauts with special adaptations to function normally in space. Think of the jobs this initiative will produce. Think of the technological leadership it will give our country. Think of the way we will build a better future for this generation and all that will follow. Think of the huge economic benefits we will reap.” She closed her eyes for a moment, rasped: “I ask that every possible lesson be *Barry Marshall was sure Helicobacter pylori caused ulcers, and to test his theory, ingested the organism-which resulted in ulcer symptoms within a few days. He and Robin Warren received the 2005 Nobel Prize in medicine for their work on H. pylori and ulcers, which led to successful antibiotic treatments.
