In this episode of Levity, world-renowned immunologist Professor Derya Unutmaz makes a bold prediction: ageing and disease may be curable within 20 years. As an early adopter of AI in biomedical research, he lays out a detailed and hopeful vision of a near-future where virtual cells, reasoning engines, and in silico modelling transform medicine.

Key Points:

This episode charts a bold path to a future where AI doesn’t just assist medicine—it reinvents it. From virtual cells to digital immortality, Professor Unutmaz shows how AI could turn radical healthspan gains from dream to design. More than speculation, this is a blueprint for longevity powered by intelligent machines.

• AI and Ageing: Professor Unutmaz predicts we’ll solve ageing and cure all major diseases within 10–20 years, reaching “longevity escape velocity” through advanced AI.
• From Sci-Fi to Reality: Inspired by science fiction and thinkers like Ray Kurzweil, Unutmaz coined "biosingularity" in 2005—and believes we’re now living its acceleration.
• Virtual Cells & Digital Twins: He envisions modelling entire biological systems in silico to test treatments instantly—eliminating the need for traditional clinical trials.
• AI as Lab Partner: Unutmaz uses next-gen AI daily, calling it his 24/7 collaborator for writing, data analysis, experiment design, and creative ideation.
• Reimagining Medicine: He argues it's becoming unethical not to use AI in healthcare, and predicts that in the near future, AI doctors and robotic surgeons will outperform humans.
• A New Human Experience: With diseases cured and work automated, humanity may pivot toward creativity, self-education, and even sensory exploration—ushering in a "golden age."