H. P. Kaufmann Memorial Lecture 2001: Into the Fourth Dimension of Fat Research — Imagination and Inspiration

Abstract

Computer technology has provided chemical research with many new and advanced analytical techniques. By the year 2050 computers are predicted to run a million times faster than today's machines. Scientists have remained satisfied with their studies of molecules and to dwell in the dimensions of space and matter only. The difficulty for humans to comprehend the ‘idea of time’ has kept the issue of “time” on the sideline. The human brain is an infinitely more powerful and intelligent computer than our silicon chip driven computers. For the brain to be intelligent, the ‘idea of time’ appears to play an important role. With the large amount of lipid molecules found in the brain, lipidologists are in a position to unravel this mystery of life. The development of robotics, nanotechnology and genetic engineering depends on the continued growth of computing power. Quantum computers are new concepts and there is a chance for lipidologists to mimic the brain and produce an intelligent computer system, which runs on fat molecules (‘FAT’ chips). Imagination is the mother of invention. One of the latest advances in fatty acid chemistry is the study of lipid molecules containing a [60]fullerene unit. Such futuristic molecules are viewed as potential drugs, as well as potential components for the design of the ‘FAT’ chip. The future direction of the fat, nutrition and oleochemical industry rests on demands from the consumers. By the year 2050, the average life span for men and women in the industrial countries will increase significantly to 80 for women and 75 for men. A great demand for geriatric gourmet food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and bodycare products is to be expected. With the birth rate declining in these countries, there will also be a great demand for special infant food products — especially, mother's milk.