Virtual You

The engineering concept of “digital twins” is an emergent medical tool.

Engineers have long used digital twin computer models to aid in the design of machinery and manufacturing processes. These simulations played a role in the design of everything from cars to spacecraft.

Now, people apply the concept to the biological processes of living organisms, including human beings. Scientists hope to go beyond simulating a generic human body to creating detailed simulations of individual patients. This “Virtual You” would model the functions of your body – from molecular interactions to the workings of your heart, lungs, bones and brain – and the infrastructure that binds them.

With Virtual You, doctors may personalize treatment to an unprecedented degree by using your digital twin to test the potential effects of drugs and other therapies. Similar to how meteorologists use computer modeling to forecast the weather, doctors may be able to offer “healthcasts” to predict and prevent a patient’s specific illnesses – rather than react to illnesses after they manifest. These healthcasts could describe your general health outlook on ...