TED: How digital DNA could help you make better health choices | Jun Wang

The speaker explores the concept of life as a learning program encoded in DNA, sharing personal experiences with digital organisms and genomic research. They discuss the impact of lifestyle and environment on genetics, emphasizing the potential of personalized health through digital self-representations. The talk highlights the importance of data-driven insights and global digitalization of health data, aiming for accessible personalized medicine. A Q&A session addresses concerns about inequality and the future of affordable health solutions.

What analogy does the speaker use to describe life?

• A mathematical equation

• A learning program

• A musical composition

• A historical novel

What is the significance of the AGGAA haplotype mentioned in the talk?

• It is a marker for diabetes.

• It causes a rare genetic disorder.

• It is linked to high altitude adaptation in Tibetans.

• It is a common genetic mutation in all humans.

According to the speaker, what cannot change over 30 years?

• Technology

• Climate

• Genetics

• Economy

What does the speaker suggest about the role of digital simulations in health?

• They can replace traditional medicine.

• They can predict health outcomes and guide choices.

• They are only useful for genetic research.

• They are too expensive to be practical.

What did the speaker discover about his own health through his digital self?

• He had a high risk of diabetes.

• He had a genetic risk of gout.

• He was allergic to certain foods.

• He needed more exercise.

What role do smart devices play in the speaker's vision of health care?

• They are unnecessary and redundant.

• They replace the need for doctors.

• They help track and measure health indicators.

• They are only for entertainment purposes.

What is the speaker's vision for the future of health care?

• Health care will become more expensive.

• Only a few will benefit from advanced health care.

• Digitalization will make health care more accessible.

• Traditional medicine will be obsolete.

What does the speaker mean by 'digital we'?

• A collective digital identity for communities.

• A global health database.

• A new social media platform.

• A digital currency system.

How does the speaker propose to make digital health more affordable?

• By reducing the cost of sequencing.

• By limiting access to technology.

• By increasing government funding.

• By focusing on elite health services.

What is the ultimate question the speaker poses about life?

• What is life?

• How can we live forever?

• Why do we exist?

• What is the meaning of life?