Transforming Tomorrow: How Cutting-Edge Innovations Will Redefine Our Lives by 2025

Anyone believing that research lacks excitement might be in for an unexpected revelation. By 2025, we may observe the genetic decoding of the human brain, harness solar energy in outer space, and traverse a bridge constructed from fungi controlled electronically.

Decoding brain genetics aided by AI

Intricate maps of the human brain, developed through the EU-funded Human Brain Project, are poised for significant application and are expected to come into their own in 2025.

These maps will assist scholars and medical professionals in pursuing new cures for individuals suffering from brain disorders, as stated by Prof. Katrin Amunts, a German neuroscientist affiliated with the University of Dusseldorf and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. She spearheaded the landmark decade-long investigation of the human brain that produced the human brain atlas — the most comprehensive maps of brain regions and their cellular architecture ever created — with fresh advancements imminent to maximize their potential.

“AI is assisting us with brain research. The brain comprises 86 billion nerve cells, each possessing up to 10,000 connections to other cells, forming an unbelievably complex web. Even our most powerful computers today face challenges in addressing that.”

“In 2025, we will possess tremendous computational capabilities when one of the largest AI systems — JUPITER — activates in Jülich. By merging data with AI, we will be able to conduct virtual expert scenarios exploring the influence of specific therapies on the brain.”

These maps will assist scholars and medical professionals in pursuing new cures for individuals suffering from brain disorders, as stated by Prof. Katrin Amunts, a German neuroscientist affiliated with the University of Dusseldorf and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. She spearheaded the landmark decade-long investigation of the human brain that produced the human brain atlas — the most comprehensive maps of brain regions and their cellular architecture ever created — with fresh advancements imminent to maximize their potential.

“AI is assisting us with brain research. The brain comprises 86 billion nerve cells, each possessing up to 10,000 connections to other cells, forming an unbelievably complex web. Even our most powerful computers today face challenges in addressing that.”

“In 2025, we will possess tremendous computational capabilities when one of the largest AI systems — JUPITER — activates in Jülich. By merging data with AI, we will be able to conduct virtual expert scenarios exploring the influence of specific therapies on the brain.”

“I genuinely wish for the brain atlases we have developed to serve more patients. I aspire for them to be a valuable tool for informing diagnosis and surgery, particularly concerning the location of a tumor.”

“Our French colleagues just completed the first clinical trial on epilepsy surgery, utilizing it to forecast where surgeons could excise tissue from patients. Surgeons aim to remove as much tissue as feasible to achieve a seizure-free patient, yet as little as possible to prevent unnecessary harm. We are now awaiting the outcomes. These innovative advancements truly excite me. This is precisely why I pursued medicine — to assist individuals.”

“One advancement I yearn to witness is in comprehending how the brain operates at a cellular level. We are aware of numerous cell types, their molecular profiles, and their genes, but not within each of the 86 billion nerve cells. Often, we can see the individual trees, but not the overall forest. I hope that by 2025, we can bridge some of the gaps in our comprehension of the interrelations between brain cells, their genetic profiles, and their diseases at various scales, from individual cells to networks and ultimately the entire brain.”

Solar energy receives assistance from outer space

The merging of satellite data with AI is presenting unexpected new prospects where the “sky is the limit”, states Effie Makri, an electronic engineer and vice president of Research and Innovation at the Greek tech firm Future Intelligence.

Makri leads the EU-funded RESPONDENT initiative, which integrates the capabilities of AI, satellite monitoring, and mini-weather stations to enhance predictions of energy contributions to the grid from a solar farm. Makri anticipates increased utilization of satellite data in 2025, occasionally in surprising aspects of our existence.

“The Galileo and Copernicus satellite programs are remarkable, and Europe should take immense pride in these innovations. Numerous sectors will benefit from the future application of satellite data. They can be utilized across various fields, including agriculture, energy production, banking, or recreation. We aim to modify our own technological solution to wind energy. Satellite data could also guide optimal locations for setting up photovoltaic solar farms.”

“More data captured in real-time will be integrated with historical information to enhance AI model training. This can facilitate quicker processing of satellite imagery and, for example, enable better monitoring of climate change. We will improve oversight of glacial changes or deforestation, and enhance predictions regarding the spread of forest fires. The sky truly knows no bounds.”

“Another potential evolution I predict is space-based energy. This concept entails harnessing solar energy in space, which would then be wirelessly sent to Earth [through microwaves or lasers]. That sector of energy is likely to gain more interest.”

“I wish for AI to be employed for positive purposes. However, there have been conflicting sentiments towards AI. I am eagerly anticipating new innovations that benefit society, yet I would prefer not to engage in technologies that may be misused. The European Commission has been outstanding in upholding these values and formulating regulations.”

Self-repairing, living building materials

Our resources are finite, and we will requireto be aware of the effect we’re having on the climate, mentions Dr. Kunal Masania, an engineer at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and a member of the EU-supported AM-IMATE initiative.

He is developing composite substances incorporated with fungi that may be utilized in forthcoming home furnishings, aircraft components, and even substantial construction endeavors like bridges. Fungi are a sustainable resource, and certain varieties can thrive on waste materials from agriculture or forestry.

“We’ve produced composites with sawdust and wooden fragments, which are interlinked by fungi. Engineers are already utilizing fibers reinforced by a matrix — the same manner that trees are strengthened. However, what we have overlooked is all the fascinating capacities obtainable when your material is alive. I’m constructing Lego-like components consisting of fungal cells, which are assembled by a robot to create a small bridge. Others from the scientific realm are also participating in this ambition to realize living materials and structures.”

“We intend to integrate electrodes within this substance, allowing us to detect signals of mechanical stress from the fungi. We also aim to communicate with the fungi in response to repair damage or locally enhance certain regions, something that the hyphae [filaments] of fungi are capable of doing. Recently, a group in the US created a soft robot walker using fungi and signaled to the fungi to control movement. Therefore, this is an exceptionally thrilling field where I anticipate many novel innovations in 2025.”

The benefit of structures composed of living organisms could be that the materials are capable of sensing, reporting, and adapting to stresses, thus reinforcing only where necessary. Imagine a bicycle or a bridge that could mend itself!

Improved future for bees, and nature, in Europe

Honeybees are the most common visitors to blossoms in natural ecosystems worldwide and aid in pollinating around half of all crops. Nevertheless, they have not been flourishing, states Professor Dirk de Graaf, a biologist at Ghent University, Belgium.

“The pollination of crops and wildflowers by honeybees is more valuable than all the honey they produce — by a significant margin. Yet, annually, we lose about one-third of our colonies in Europe. This translates to some beekeepers losing all their bees.”

However, by returning to nature — aided by technology — the circumstances surrounding European honeybees are expected to improve in 2025 and beyond. De Graaf leads an EU-supported project investigating honeybees known as B-GOOD, which aims to restore their coexistence with nature.

“The majority of honeybees present in Belgium and northern Europe were imported, meaning we lack the breed suited to our climate. Instead, our beekeeping has concentrated entirely on bees that excel in honey production and calmness. In the future, it will be essential to select bees that can better withstand parasites like the varroa mite, rather than depending on chemicals to eliminate these pests.”

“We should intend to reduce our interference with beehives in the forthcoming years. This can be accomplished by employing technology developed in Europe, such as sensors installed on hives to monitor activity and temperature remotely. A recent study discovered that approximately 21% of beekeepers across 18 European nations are already utilizing automated data collection.”

“The true additional value will come when we create smarter algorithms that interpret the data and issue alerts to beekeepers, enabling them to spend less time managing the bees while ensuring their health.”

“I anticipate that the adoption will continue to rise, particularly among younger beekeepers accustomed to checking their smartphones. They will appreciate the ability to monitor their bees remotely while allowing them to thrive.”

Greener, cleaner cities that benefit everyone

Our future urban centers will be more environmentally friendly, produce fewer carbon emissions, and become more aesthetically pleasing, predicts Dr. Annemie Wyckmans, an architect at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. As the head of the EU-funded CRAFT project, she collaborates with artistic and cultural organizations to stimulate sustainable transformations in city environments. These changes will primarily be propelled by local communities.

“At present, there are numerous alterations in politics, and a great deal of media attention focuses on the negatives. We face an energy crisis, a food crisis, and a health crisis. It can seem disheartening. However, many individuals found hope in their ability to take action locally and genuinely make a tangible impact in their respective communities, neighborhoods, and cities.”

“For instance, we explored several urban market gardens in cities such as Zagreb and Sarajevo. I had no prior knowledge, but it represents a regional strength. It enables individuals to cultivate their own fruits and vegetables. This is significant because often people may lack sufficient funds to purchase healthy, local, and sustainable food — it can be pricier than fast food and hard to find in certain areas. Yet, it is simple to provide individuals access to land for growing their own food, allowing them to connect with others doing the same and to support one another.”

“Such beneficial changes frequently do not receive media coverage. They are low-cost, do not have to wait for substantial political decisions, and are easily overlooked. I hope that in 2025, this type of movement will be too extensive to disregard, as it will reach a critical mass and emerge prominently, garnering the attention of politicians, investors, and others.”

The CRAFT team is inspired by an EU initiative to implement the European Green Deal within people’s everyday surroundings. Dubbed the New European Bauhaus, or NEB, it seeks to allow individuals’ daily lives and living environments to draw inspiration from art and culture, be in harmony with nature, and promote social interactions.

Alongside CRAFT, initiatives such as Re-Value, Bauhaus Bites, and NEB-STAR are working towards similar objectives, collectively involving over 100 cities and communities across Europe.

Similar to the Bauhaus movement in Germany a century ago, the NEB aspires to blend urban planning, science, technology, art, and community engagement to tackle significant societal challenges. Art itself can serve as a driving force because it is prominently displayed in cities and holds the capacity to inspire collective action.

This article was originally published in Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine

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