We are electric. The New Science of our body's Electrome by Sally Adee

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book explains the role of electricity in our bodies. Apparently, 'bioelectricity' is higher than the genome in terms of priority and evolution. Electricity "predates nervous systems and even humanity itself" and "it is the most ancient thing about us." 

Bioelectricity exists in every cell in our bodies and performs a range of functions. For example "the bioelectric code is the reason you retain that same shape throughout your entire life; it prunes your dividing cells so you keep being recognisably you". Bioelectricity can control the ability to regrow anything we lose to injury or illness. 

Recent research has identified distinct bioelectrical properties in cancer cells that differ from those of healthy cells. Normal, mature cells typically maintain a voltage ranging from −50 mV to −90 mV, with each cell type exhibiting a characteristic voltage profile. In contrast, stem cells voltage is close to 0 mV and develop more negative, cell-specific voltages as they differentiate into specialized tissues. Cancer cells have also been observed to exhibit voltage closer to 0 mV, but unlike stem cells they refuse to grow. 

There are lots of interesting information in this book starting the history of electrical research, as well as discussions on how research on bioelectricity can evolve in the future, to treat disease or to enhance human capabilities. One limitation, however, is that it does not explore the underlying causes of the illnesses it discusses, making it difficult to assess whether manipulating bioelectricity alone could provide meaningful therapeutic benefits.

Metal Hurlant. Old Dreams, Young Visions

🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 I really, really enjoyed this book (magazine?). It comes with several short stories by well known Classic, European artists (Moebius, Druillet, Dionnet, etc.). I loved the variety of styles and themes, all of them high quality. There are also a few articles about the history of the French Metal Hurlant and Humanoids. Really worth the money and time. 

I loved everything except Alan Moore’s article, which felt somewhat disconnected from the rest. To me, it seemed to lack the distinctive Metal Hurlant spirit. 

Recommend.

Moral AI and How we het there by Jana Schaich Borg, Walter Sinnott-Armstrong and Vincent Conitzer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book has its highs and lows. I found some topics fascinating and engaging, while other sections were less compelling and I ended up skimming through them. The standout chapters for me were those on AI in the military, the Uber self-driving car accident, and kidney transplant cases. In these examples, the authors explore the capabilities of AI, particularly in situations where complex moral and ethical considerations play a role in decision-making.