Part 1 - Reading the code

The body is a fantastically sophisticated machine. Most of the time, it runs just fine on its own. But, inevitably, things go wrong, and early detection of warning signs can be the key to preventing a total breakdown. We are on the verge of being able to monitor your physiological indicators day and night, at minimal cost, and with technologies so unobtrusive that you'll forget their presence. Flexible skin patches, for example, can keep tabs on body temperature, heartbeat, and hydration. If you have diabetes, new implants can track your blood-glucose levels and feed the data to a responsive system worn on the body. Yes, an artificial pancreas is finally within reach. A pocketsize general diagnostic tool-named after the "Star Trek" tricorder-is also close to reality. With hospital-grade hardware appearing in consumer gadgets, medicine is increasingly in your own hands.