The idea of digital doppelgängers has long been confined to the realm
of science fiction. But a new book presented at London's Science Museum
last week suggests the concept could be coming to life.
Researchers are developing accurate digital simulations of human bodies in the form of digital twins, which could potentially save and extend lives.
Digital
twins could help personalize healthcare, predict diseases, diet, and
lifestyle changes, and make healthcare more predictive and
forward-looking.
- The Barcelona Supercomputing Center has created virtual models of living cells and organs, such as Alya Red, a digital twin of a heart.
- The models have been used for "in silico" trials, where drugs or diseases are tested virtually.
- In
silico trials can help detect early signs of drug failure, save time
and cost, and eliminate the ethical issues associated with animal
testing.
- Digital twins can also help fight public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Computational models of patients can open new frontiers for testing vaccines and personalized treatment of symptoms.
- Creating a virtual twin requires personal data analysis, including genomic, biochemical, and wearable device data.
- Digital twins are commonplace in manufacturing, industry, and aerospace, but digital simulations of people are rare.
