About Us | Press Releases | 2007 | April 18

DAVID EWING DUNCAN DISCUSSES DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND THE FUTURE AT THE BIO IT COALITION'S 6TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

David Ewing Duncan, an award winning journalist and the founder and director of the BioAgenda Institute, delivered the Keynote speech at the BIO IT Coalition's 6th Annual Conference, "The State of Healthcare & Medical Technology in 2020," on April 17, 2007 at the Carnegie Institution in Washington, DC.  Mr. Duncan talked about the effects of disruptive technologies on societies.  He addressed how politics, law, education, creativity and the speed of discovery will affect the future of medicine.  "The Human Species is always inventing evolutionary tools but sometimes new technologies take a while for society to be ready for them", said Mr. Duncan.  "As an example" he said "the steam engine was invented in Egypt in 70 AD.  Since slaves drove the economy-there was no need for it then, but in 1711, when it was re-invented during the Industrial Revolution, society was ready to accept it."

Three current disruptive technologies were discussed.  The first is the use of adult stem cells to replace damaged corneas in a hospital in Hyderabad, India.  The second disruptive technology is the use of Resveratrol, a chemical which exists in plants and animals when stressed.  When humans drink red wine, made by grapes stressed by the winemaking process, natural Resveratrol will theoretically provide an extension in longevity.  The third disruption, personalized medicine, customizes drugs and treatments to individuals.  Tangential issues about personalized medicine, such as privacy, ethics, insurance and governmental involvement as well as societal were also addressed.

"Neural law is an upcoming interesting medical issue", he noted.  "Criminal acts may be excused in circumstances where genetic information may help re-define free will and personal responsibility."  Mr Duncan mused, "a tumor made me do it" may be the next level of legal defense in some cases."  He next quoted Charles Darwin: "the future goes to those most adaptable to change."

The conference included a networking lunch and cocktail party to encourage discussion and collaboration among attendees.  Sponsors of the conference included AMRN, Inc., Arlington Economic Development, George Mason University College of Science and the Volgenau School of Technology and Engineering, Pepper Hamilton LLP and Russell Reynolds Associates.

The BioAgenda Institute (www.bioagendaprograms.com) is an independent think-tank founded by top leaders and critical thinkers from science, business, the media, public policy, advocacy, global health, and the arts.  Its core mission is to discuss, analyze, and articulate policy on crucial issues in life sciences that includes input from all points of view.  Topics range from how society will pay for new drugs and reforming the FDA to the politics of stem cells, health care haves and have-nots, preparing for bio-pathogens, the future of life in the genetic age, the interaction of art and science, and more.

The BIO IT Coalition bridges the life sciences and information technology industries to promote the growth of the Bio IT industry through interactive, content driven programs which highlight innovation, investment, education, collaboration and partnership.  This industry expansion will result in faster development and delivery of new therapies and diagnostics, better patient care, and other life science related technologies, goods and services.