Table 2 An overview of the three fictional technologies

Enhancement technologies in teenagers—PBF shirt

• A shirt with embedded sensors that provide real-time feedback about the mental state and cognitive performance of the person wearing it

• Used with meditation techniques, the shirt can help one learn about oneself

Preventive interventions for genetically “at risk” adults—Cardiac “rectifier”

• Implantable cardiac “rectifier” that destroys cells genetically susceptible to cause arrhythmia later

• The rectifier transmits data to a centralized system where experts confirm its plan of action

Ageing in a high-tech world—Personal robot

• An assistive personal robot connected to the Internet, which can interact with individuals and the built environment (using face, voice and object recognition)

• The robot is used at home and can “learn” from its owner by asking questions and memorizing responses