Gerardi Chiara, Xinaris Christodoulos
Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Jul 9;12:1595213. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1595213. eCollection 2025.
Human enhancement involves interventions that enhance physical or cognitive performance or overall wellbeing beyond typical human limits. The consequence of human enhancement has the potential to radically reshape society and the very existence of our species, requiring careful consideration of its ethical and regulatory boundaries. In this paper, we explore current applications of human enhancement, including motor neuro -prostheses, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and gene therapy. We analysed key unresolved challenges and potential solutions, focusing on regulatory and policy frameworks, ethical considerations in clinical research, transparency through registries, traceability of interventions, and the role of informed decision-making and consent. Finally, we critically examine the evolving definition of health and the need to delineate clear boundaries between prevention and enhancement. By addressing these issues, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing dialog on the responsible development and implementation of human enhancement technologies.
人类增强涉及到一些干预措施,这些措施能将身体或认知能力或整体幸福感提升至超出人类正常极限的水平。人类增强的后果有可能从根本上重塑社会以及我们这个物种的生存方式,这就需要仔细考量其伦理和监管界限。在本文中,我们探讨了人类增强的当前应用,包括运动神经假体、经颅磁刺激和基因疗法。我们分析了关键的未解决挑战及潜在解决方案,重点关注监管和政策框架、临床研究中的伦理考量、通过登记处实现透明度、干预措施的可追溯性以及知情决策和同意的作用。最后,我们批判性地审视了不断演变的健康定义以及明确划分预防与增强之间界限的必要性。通过解决这些问题,本文旨在为关于人类增强技术的负责任开发与应用的持续对话做出贡献。