Every facet of our lives has been infiltrated by technology, and the market is replete with a plethora of wearable devices designed to monitor various aspects such as our steps, heart rate, blood pressure, and more. This data serves a practical purpose by enabling us to vigilantly uphold our health.
Nonetheless, the current generation of wearables has yet to reach a level of sophistication where they can actively manipulate our metabolism or assist us in managing certain medical conditions. However, a potentially transformative shift is on the horizon, as a recent experiment conducted at ETH Zurich has uncovered the intriguing potential to wield electricity as a means of influencing our DNA.
The researchers elaborate on this trend, stating in their published paper that “Wearable electronic devices are rapidly expanding their role in collecting individuals’ health data for personalized medical interventions.” The research, featured in the journal Nature Metabolism and reported by Sciencealert, underscores the fact that wearable technology has not yet established a direct electrogenetic interface required for programming gene-based therapies. The paper, however, introduces the vital missing component.
The Implications of this Discovery To illustrate, consider an individual grappling with diabetes. Employing this technique to enhance insulin production within the body could undoubtedly offer substantial benefits to the patient.
In the context of this specific study, human pancreatic cells were transplanted into mice afflicted with type 1 diabetes. Subsequently, these cells were stimulated through the application of direct current, utilizing acupuncture needles as conduits.
Referred to as DART (DC-Actuated Regulation Technology), this innovation amalgamates the digital technology of gadgets with the analog technology inherent to our bodies. The electricity generated triggers the production of reactive oxygen species at safe levels. These dynamic molecules, with careful management, possess the capacity to initiate a cascade of events that activates cells engineered to respond to chemical alterations.
Essentially, the study posits that this approach transforms the regulatory mechanism of DNA within cells by manipulating their epigenetic switches. This transformative process has the potential to address a myriad of conditions stemming from genetic factors.
So, while the prospect of acquiring a Fitbit-style device capable of effecting genetic-level changes remains uncertain, the initial stride towards such a future has undoubtedly been taken by this groundbreaking experiment.
