Body upgrades nearing reality, but only for the rich, 'Sapiens' author says

Through the power of technology, humans are set to upgrade ourselves and surmount evolution. Ultimately, we can become entirely new beings that set the stage for a post-human future.

The scenario has played out in science fiction, but the prospect is raised more seriously by Yuval Noah Harari, an Israeli historian, in his book, Sapiens.

In it he sees trouble, with enhancements accessible only to the rich leading to a society more unequal than any before.

The revolution Harari has in mind is borne of engineering and exploits mechanical, electronic, chemical and genetic progress. In place of treatments that correct biological deficits will be procedures that improve natural performance, making recipients biologically better than the rest.

"In the 20th century, the main task of medicine was to bring everybody to a certain level of health and capability. It was by definition an egalitarian aim," Harari said.

"In the 21st century medicine is moving onwards and trying to surpass the norm, to help people live longer, to have stronger memories, to have better control of their emotions. But upgrading like that is not an egalitarian project, it's an elitist project."