Andrew Hessel

Andrew Hessel, a futurist and geneticist, predicts that significant advancements in bioengineering will take place in the next 5-10 years, impacting various industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, sustainability, and agriculture. He explains how scientists will be writing the operating system for cells, leading to full genome synthesis becoming a fast and low-cost procedure. Hessel also emphasizes the importance of biosecurity and regulation as the world approaches the future of genomics and synthetic biology.

Andrew Hessel, co-founder of Humane Genomics Inc., envisions a future where doctors can provide low-cost, personalized cancer therapies and viruses can be used to transmit biological information. He explains how advances in bioengineering and synthetic biology are making these possibilities a reality, reducing costs and time needed for creating custom therapeutics. Hessel also highlights how viruses can be transformed into tools for transmitting biological information, rather than harmful invaders, leading to a seismic shift in the accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness of state-of-the-art health technology.

As researchers continue to unlock the secrets of the human genome, the field of biology is advancing towards a new horizon: engineering synthetic human genomes. Andrew Hessel believes that, as DNA design, synthesis, and assembly technologies continue to develop, this may be achievable within decades rather than in the distant future. He notes that even now, smaller synthetic genomes are already changing the face of healthcare. By synthesizing viruses that can fight diseases, such as cancer, we can potentially manage them. Moreover, the traditional "one-size-fits-none" method of mass drug manufacturing will be replaced by personalized medicines, enabling doctors to create tailor-made therapies.

In this talk, Hessel describes how scientists can synthesize DNA to transform drug production and treatment, using accessible language that can be understood by those without scientific backgrounds. Drawing an analogy between this breakthrough and the disruption of the digital economy, he predicts that the mass retail drug industry will give way to a personalized streaming model similar to that of Netflix. By working together, scientists and medical professionals can develop innovative technologies that optimize individualized treatments. Hessel envisions translating biological data into life-saving actions.

Advancements in genetic screening technologies, CRISPR gene editing, and synthetic biology are equipping us with powerful tools to comprehend and modify biology. Andrew Hessel, a geneticist and futurist, asserts that we are not only using these technologies on ourselves but also on our offspring. In this illuminating talk, Hessel explains how procedures like IVF are becoming more sophisticated and how we can profile our DNA for recessive disorders. Embryonic genetic screening is now possible before implantation and mitochondrial diseases can be corrected by adding a third parent. Moreover, genetic surgeries can soon correct significant defects. Scientists are even producing eggs and sperm in the lab from skin cells, indicating a change in the IVF process. Biobanking is extending beyond umbilical cord blood to include our cells and DNA for personalized drug screening and therapies. Hessel claims that the first human clone is long overdue and its development will generate global headlines, paving the way for others to follow. Simultaneously, scientists are attempting to create a human genome from scratch, moving us closer to being able to control our evolution. Hessel not only describes the cutting-edge bioengineering but also prompts discussions on how these advancements could reshape society or even our species. He also encourages us to ponder whether we would change something about ourselves or our children if we could.