NTT DoCoMo hopes to diagnose disease, predict other misfortunes from cellphones

We like to think that NTT, Japan's dominant telephone company, is a serious corporation. So when NTT DoCoMo issues a press release claiming to have successfully demonstrated the world's first "molecular delivery system for molecular communication," we figure this must be significant. The technology and biochemistry at the foundation sure seems to be. In an experiment, NTT DoCoMo confirmed the use of synthesized DNA to transport specific molecules through the body. The process converts chemical energy into mechanical work so there's no need for an external power supply or control mechanism. The hope then is to one day plant a "biochip" in a cellphone which can read "excitement, emotion, stress or disease" from the simmering juices (blood, sweat and tears) pooled inside the meatsicles of "living organisms." This is where things start to fall apart. Seeing as how this is Japan, that ambiguous target audience means you and your pets. Robots too, just as soon as they get skin. And when the English press release claims that a bio-chipped phone could be applicable to "fortune telling" -- well, we've lost all hope.

[Thanks, StopSpamming]

[JC @ Mar 27th 2008 8:37AM]

Will it help me to play "Heart and Soul" on a giant foot piano in the middle of a toy store? If not, pfft.

[Chris Aubeck @ Mar 27th 2008 8:48AM]

Future generations will bleed, sweat and probably pee into their phones. We have so much to look forward to.

[y3k.nik @ Mar 27th 2008 8:53AM]

@Chris

You forgot the part where they will talk into their phones too!

[DonatoM3 @ Mar 28th 2008 2:08PM]

@ y3k.nik

He didn't forget that, he left that out intentionally.

[Bill Koslosky, MD @ Mar 27th 2008 8:58AM]

When I hear "molecular communication" I immediately think of hormones or neurotransmitters.

The press release talks of "analyzing biomolecules in a drop of sweat or blood using a mobile phone equipped with a biochip." I guess you could call glucose a biomolecule.

In this case, "artificially synthesized DNAs and chemically energized motor proteins" could create insulin and release it as needed, replacing the malfunctioning pancreatic beta cells of the patient with diabetes.

As far as monitoring "excitement, emotion, stress...," I don't know if you want to be attached to a device that will deliver a hormone that will turn you into a Stepford Wife (or Husband) just because someone took your parking space.

It's scary to think that all this can happen automatically, and flawlessly. Their press release mentions that "the biochemical analysis would be transmitted to a medical specialist." So there might be a human somewhere monitoring all these users, pinging these devices to release serotonin when it looks like they might be getting a little antsy.

[John @ Mar 27th 2008 9:08AM]

That's the best use they can think of for this? really?

[garry_lingle @ Mar 27th 2008 11:19PM]

My thoughts are for monitoring blood sugar level, blood pressure, heart beat (for cardiac patients and athletes), body temperature (for ovulation prediction). These could be recorded and shared with a healthcare provided.

[zom @ Mar 27th 2008 10:31AM]

BIG FTW

[jodosh @ Mar 27th 2008 10:34AM]

I agree, the graphic made my morning.

[Aaron @ Mar 27th 2008 1:30PM]

Well you can bet that the molecular man will be using this bit of technology as soon as its out.

THE MOLECULAR MAN....

[James Yopp @ Mar 27th 2008 12:01PM]

Excellent. Let the horoscope-seekers submit their genetic code to The Man. Maybe then we can isolate the genes / hormones for stupidity and gullibility.

[rich @ Mar 27th 2008 1:12PM]

love the pic. i wish i was dancing on a electronic floor-keyboard with robert loggia right now!