Numerous studies in the past two years show that CRISPR-based interventions can correct mutations and restore cellular and behavioral function in mouse models of brain diseases. Diseases caused by mutations in genes associated with brain functions - like alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), Huntington’s disease, and Friedreich’s ataxia- have seen major improvements in mice that have had their brains gene edited.
This raises a fascinating possibility - what if this gene editing could go beyond correcting diseases? What if you could get an IQ boost of 20-30 points? For obvious reasons, this would be huge for people on a personal level, but it would also have political effects. What would society be like if everyone were 30 IQ points smarter?
Brain editing now ‘closer to reality’: the gene-altering tools tackling deadly disorders: Stunning results in mice herald gene-editing advances for neurological diseases.
The falling rate of profit cannot kill as long as capitalism has no competition. Now China makes it a problem. E.g. Intel hasn't invested enough for the next technology. China's chip production is almost closing the gap.
There are other areas where investments weren't made. Cell phone coverage is ridiculous, as is fibre to the home. Antibiotics are going to become a problem. The housing market and high speed rail both prevent mobility and better allocation of resources.
The software industry has solved it by selling services and not products. But that has left us with an enshittified Windows and an office suit with a file format that stifles innovation.