Could hormone implants allow us to boost focus, endurance and libido?

Imagine having direct control over your body and mind through hormones. By 2035, a variety of options had emerged in the market. Whether you need a boost in the morning, a libido enhancer at night, or temporary immunity to pain, it was all possible.

The journey began in 2027, with the introduction of engineered living materials (ELMs) to treat wounds and injuries. These dressings, inspired by biofilms found in vinegar and kombucha, contained enzymes and antibiotics that accelerated the healing process.

Scientists at Imperial College London created programmable SCOBYs using gene-edited yeast and bacteria, allowing for the production of custom compounds. The first application was the Heal Me patch, which when applied to a wound, released enzymes that promoted tissue repair, reduced pain, and inflammation.

As the technology advanced, syn-SCOBYs were developed for various purposes, from environmental sensing to providing essential nutrients and hormones. These living materials replaced traditional treatments like bionic pancreases for diabetes management and even produced glowing proteins to detect pollutants.

Military applications led to the development of Fight Me patches that released adrenaline and testosterone for pain suppression and increased aggression. To ensure effective delivery, these patches were designed for implantation in the body.

Customized living implants were created to enhance focus, aggression, endurance, and pain tolerance when needed. Recreational syn-SCOBYs were designed to produce stimulants, psychedelics, and libido enhancers.

Implanted patches like Feed Me and Sate Me controlled hunger and appetite, while Focus Me enhanced cognitive function. For recreational use, patches like Trip Me and Love Me induced psychoactive effects and feelings of love and euphoria.

The most exclusive implants were the Juve Me range, which produced anti-aging compounds and senomorphics for rejuvenation. These implants were designed to be self-sustaining, offering extended life and vitality to the user.

With inspiration from Iain M. Banks’s Culture novels, the concept of symbiotic implants revolutionized the medical and recreational landscape, offering unprecedented control over human biology.

Rowan Hooper is New Scientist‘s podcast editor and the author of How to Spend a Trillion Dollars: The 10 global problems we can actually fix. Follow him on Bluesky @rowhoop.bsky.social