Medicine could be constructing human bodies in the future
Section snippets
History of human body
Humans are mammals. We share with other mammals nearly all of our physiological processes and biochemical properties. Our anatomical structure has the basic mammalian plan, but is uniquely modified by the evolutionary experience and development of erect bipedalism [1], [2], [3]. This development had a number of structural and functional consequences. It released our upper limbs from the necessity of locomotion and allowed them freedom for manipulation of objects. It requires precise balancing
History of human lifespan
For the vast majority of our ∼5 Ma long history we were subjected to same threats to our lives as other mammals: infectious and parasitic diseases, accidental trauma, predation. Age distribution of probabilities of dying of our ancestors, the australopithecines was similar to that of other large mammals (Fig. 1). This situation remained basically unchanged until about eight thousand years ago food production spread through large sections of humanity. Agricultural way of life brought new threats,
The modified body in medical discourse
Medical attitudes of the body must be understood according to social categories which present the body as fluid and non-static-a continuing work in progress. The anthropologist Mary Douglas is insightful here. For Douglas [12], human beings are creatures who live according to social categories. Human societies use an array of complex social categories in order to maintain social order. Social categories are also important for delineating between socially sanctioned and prescribed behaviours.
The future of the body and medicine
We contend that the notion of transformation is integral to the current medicalised body. Bio-medicine’s movement from preventative to corrective techniques during the second half of the 20th century exemplifies the notion of transformation. Never in human history has the body undergone such modification; a phenomenon which will increase in the 21st century. The use of gene therapy, stem cell therapy and nanotechnology, or a combination of these will herald incredible medical advances.
Conflict of interest statement
No conflicts financial or otherwise are related to this work.
Sources of support
None.
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