I Sing the Body Electric: How Our Bodies Are Changing Society, and Vice Versa

How is the meaning of “human” evolving?

Building on last year’s Body Hacking talk, Quinn Norton looks at new subjects, new hacks, and new implications. It’s an exciting time. The juggernauts like the FDA and the justice system are beginning to sit up and take note. A new classism is emerging. And ultimately, it’s looking more like our grandchildren might not look human to us.

A lot is changing, and at a dizzying pace.

• Neurology is messing about with justice, and some universities are beginning to define a new field of Neurolaw.

• Consumer and open source versions of advanced medical equipment are hitting the market.

• fMRI isn’t all its cracked up to be, but drug discovery might be.

• Direct to consumer genetic testing is becoming a going concern, but is it a scam or a new hope?

• People have discovered more sense extension and ways to backdoor the brain.

• Lay people are managing their medical data in novel ways, and underground communities are taking care of in unexpected and effective means.

Norton looks at these issues, what’s around the corner, and throws in a little Walt Whitman for good measure.