If you’re into science and technology at all, I bet you’ve wondered exactly what sort of gadgets and technology mankind will have in the distant future. Thinking about the distant future of 100,000 years from now, odds are we would barely recognize human society. Mankind has made incredible gains in technology over the last 100 years, over the next 100,000 years the changes will be startling.
One thing I’ve never really considered is will mankind themselves change in the future. I’ve always assumed we would look the same, only our toys would change. An artist and researcher named Nickolay Lamm, who also happens to be a computational geneticist, has offered up the rendering of what he believes humans could look like 100,000 years in the future.
Physical Evolution of Humans
Basically, we would look very similar only we would have gigantic heads, bigger eyes, and larger nostrils. Lamm says the bigger head would be to contain our larger brains, the larger nostrils would be to help us breathe on other planets, and our skin will be more pigmented to help protect us from UV rays. All I know is the artist renderings remind me a lot of Megamind minus the blue skin.
Lamm’s predictions are based on the assumption that humans will continue to evolve in response to their environment. For example, if humans were to colonize other planets, the atmospheric conditions and levels of sunlight would be different from Earth. This would necessitate physiological changes to adapt to new environments. Larger eyes might be an adaptation to lower light levels, while larger nostrils could help in breathing in different atmospheric compositions.
Technological Advancements
In addition to physical changes, the technology we use will also evolve dramatically. Imagine a world where artificial intelligence has advanced to the point where it can perform almost any task better than a human. This could lead to a society where humans are free to pursue creative and intellectual endeavors while machines handle the mundane tasks. Virtual reality could become so immersive that it would be indistinguishable from real life, allowing people to experience anything they can imagine without leaving their homes.
Moreover, advancements in biotechnology could lead to humans having enhanced physical and mental capabilities. Genetic engineering might allow us to eliminate diseases, extend our lifespans, and even enhance our cognitive abilities. Imagine a world where aging is a thing of the past, and people can live healthy, active lives for hundreds of years.
Another fascinating area of development could be space travel. With advancements in propulsion technology, humans might be able to travel to distant star systems and establish colonies on other planets. This would not only require advancements in spacecraft technology but also in life support systems, habitats, and sustainable living practices in space.
The integration of technology into our bodies could also become more prevalent. We might see the widespread use of cybernetic implants that enhance our senses, improve our health, and even connect our minds directly to the internet. This could lead to a new era of human-machine symbiosis, where the line between biological and artificial becomes increasingly blurred.
The future of humanity 100,000 years from now is likely to be radically different from anything we can imagine today. With advancements in technology and changes in our environment, both our physical forms and the way we live our lives will undergo significant transformations. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what the future holds, one thing is certain: the journey will be an exciting one.
via ABC News
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