Editorial May 15, 2020 May 15, 2020

(Non) contact lenses

DOI: 10.5935/0034-7280.20200018

It is necessary acquiring knowledge in order to change, science is based on curiosity, on what we understand, build, change and propose; thus, technology takes knowledge as the basis to define our actions. We create things based on selfless attempts to improve the world. Lunar aircrafts, autonomous cars, submarine drones, clothes made with thermal wire guided by body sensors, actuators that make us experience the sensations of others, all these innovations start with the playful restlessness triggered by the unknown and sustained by the environment, which always offers and demands more in a faster way. Thus, it is worth presenting the concept of functionalization, which lies on modifying something to give it properties different from the original ones. Accordingly, we functionalize not only initially-inert materials but also bodies, organs and cells.

We, physicians, learn and practice physiopathology as the basis for evidence-based understanding and treatments. In addition, the very core of our training lies on deviations from what is expected, although preventing diseases is philosophically and theoretically more natural than remedying them. What if medicine was not only aimed at healing and keeping individuals healthy, but at effectively improving their functionalities? Based on this idea, treating and improving physiological functions could enable better quality and performance. After all, most individuals are not ill, but healthy, most of the time.

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