What if we could screen the body for early signs of disease by swallowing a tiny capsule, packed with futuristic diagnostic tools? Prof. Timothy Lu, a synthetic biologist at MIT, draws on his combined expertise in computer programming, electrical engineering, and microbiology, to envision as an entirely new way of practicing preventative medicine. The idea is that capsules packed with tiny electronics and genetically engineered living cells will eventually be used to spot health problems from inside the gut. Early signs of cancer could be detected without the need for a colonoscopy. In this LLAMA podcast interview with Peter Bowes, recorded at TEDMED, Prof. Lu explains the principles of synthetic biology and why he believes it could help us all live healthier, longer lives.

In this interview we explore:

• What is synthetic biology and how could it help us live better?
• Should we be concerned about “synthetic” biology?
• A new set of diagnostic tools.
• How can human cells do mathematics? 
• Re-wiring the human body, and what that means.
• Preventing and treating disease by swallowing a capsule.
• Detecting early signs of disease
• Engineering the human microbiome.
• Sequencing the bacteria that live inside us and figuring out why they impact us “profound" ways.
• What are the drugs of the future and how will they help us? 
• New strategies to extend health spans.
• Is precision medicine worth the money?
• Developing sensors and memory devices that sit inside the brain.

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The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.