Neuralink has shown to be an early adopter in the field of BCI’s. The first human implant in 2024 marks a significant milestone in neurotechnology. A coin-sized chip is surgically implanted into the brain which can send and receive electrical signals. 

Noland Arbaugh is an American quadriplegic and is the first recipient of Neuralink. 

You can watch Arbaugh short interview where he discusses life with the Neuralink. Reporting that the surgery was straightforward and hasn't received any cognitive impairments from the procedure. Notably the surgery has allowed Noland the ability to cognitively control computers with only his thoughts. Allowing him to now complete digital tasks (Vance 2024).

CRISPR gene editing is a revolutionary technology that allows for precise, targeted modifications to the DNA of living organisms. The technology allows for a cut+paste approach to gene editing that provides extremely accurate results. Initial applications were for disorders that originate from genetic mutations, such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease (Feng et, al. 2024).

One application is retrieving crop yield. Deleting and inserting gene sequences for the purpose of agricultural traits is currently being worked on. Cornell University Rice Project highlights the capabilities CRISPR can provide. 

Perhaps the best known historical technology in this Transhumanisms presentation, prosthetics.  In current days, prosthetics are now becoming stronger, lighter, more durable and flexible, than biological human limbs. Moreover, these prosthetics can now come with neuronal interfaces that can read muscular contractions - reacting as if there were a real limb. Now with the raise of AI to super-power them, prosthetics are on the edge of becoming physical enhancements. 

Blake Leeper, an American double amputee runner, may be our first case-study into this topic. He was banned from running against his able-bodied competition. That will surely pick up pace as technology advances. 

AI technology is being used in k-12, and post-secondary, education to help facilitate accessible, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Higher Education institutes are already embracing AI's capabilities.

Arizona State University launched a text-to-image utility that uses ChatGPT-4o to analyze user-uploaded images and produce robust alternative text descriptions. Whereas the University of Central Florida has developed Project RAISE. Designed to help students with disabilities develop and improve their social skills. "He hangs out with students in their classes, affirming them with positive messages,".

Wearable Biosensor Technology has emerged as a transformative tool in the educational system over the past decade. Now with software that interfaces with these devices students can record and analyze their real-time data. From something as simple as measuring force onto an object, to monitoring stress levels, wearable technology is providing real-time feedback for both students and educators.

Nursing Schools, such as Purdue and Tulsa, are offering education through wearable tech. By offering Meta Quest VR headsets combined with AI simulations. Universities are exploring ways to educate at scale.