The Post Human Evolution

[intro]Biohacking is the art of engaging biology with hacker ethic or it is the creation of strategies that exploit the system thinking, biology, science, self-experimentation and technology to let your body, mind and life optimization. Biohacking covers a wide range of practices as well as movements ranging from grinders designing and installing DIY body-enhancement including magnetic implants to DIY biologists performing at-home gene sequencing.[/intro]

Biohacking arose in a growing fashion of non-institutional science and technology development. Many biohackers or biohacking activists identify with the transhumanism, techno-progressivism and biopunk.

Biohacking can also mean, managing a person’s own biology using a mixture of electronic, nutritional and medical techniques. This may incorporate using nootropics or/and cybernetic tools for biometric data recording.

Biohackers majorly identify with biopunk and transhumanist ideologists. Transhumanism is the credence that is possible and desirable to basically alter the human condition by using technology as to initiate a superior post-human being.

Biopunk is an intellectual and techno-progressive cultural movement which supports an open access to genetic data and promotes the liberatory potential of ideal democratic technological environment. Just like other punk movements, biopunk promotes the DIY ethics.

Cyborg theory and cyborgs strongly influence transhumanism and techno-progressivism and are therefore strongly influences the biohacking movement. Some biohackers including Kevin Warwick, the professor of cybernetics from Britain, and Grinders actively design as well as implement technologies which are directly integrated into the organic body. Examples include Warwick’s ’project cyborg’’ or DIY magnetic fingertip implants.

Biohackers apply what is known as ’hacker ethic’’ to biology- they strongly believe in shared democratic access to data and technology and in manipulating the biological systems to improve the human life quality. Biohacking includes a wide spectrum of physiological innovations, from genetic manipulation to magnetic implants. Biohackers work in all kinds of settings, from personal kitchens to rent-able labs.

Nootropics also referred to as memory enhancers, smart drugs, intelligence enhancers, cognitive enhancers, and neuro enhancers, are drugs, nutraceuticals, supplements, and functional foods that ostensibly improve the mental functions including memory, cognition, motivation, attention, intelligence, and concentration. The word nootropic was created by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea- a Romanian derived from the Greek words Vuoc nous (mind). Nootropics are believed to operate by changing the brain’s availability for supply of neurochemicals (enzymes, neurotransmitter, and hormones), by improving the oxygen supplied in the brain, or by stimulating nerve growth.

Biohackers that look for techniques to improve the human body with the help of technology, devices, and implants are known as “body hackers’’ or “grinders’’. For instance, with a scalpel and some tools, body hackers can create the “ability’’ to detect electromagnetic fields by putting small magnets near sensitive nerves in the fingertips.

Kevin Warwick, a Cybernetics professor at the University of Reading was among the pioneers of these implants in humans. Unlike grinders operating in garages, Warwick has the superfluity of working in the college setting with medical team and anesthesia, even though his work still carries all the dangers linked to investing into unchartered medical territory. In 2002, Kevin implanted cybernetic sensors in his arm, enabling him control a separate robot hand from a given distance. Kevin’s wife had the implant done, and currently the two can share the sensation including the grasp of a hand, from across the boarders. These hackers are like zealots who implant anything they can get into their skin. However, biohackers, expressly grinders, see themselves as a boost to the future. Even though his work has a medical element, Kevin embraces the philosophy of the hacker, and has started a study about magnetic implants in an attempt to create a baseline of understanding for the future studies.

Recently, biohacking has started to emerge from its concealed subculture. Today, fanatics in synthetic biology and biotechnology can find much different recourse on the web, from forums to discuss and share information, to groups such as DIYbio, communities’ network for DIY biologists. Some organizations have introduced cheap DIY genomics kits, letting fanatics to sequence genes at home. Others, such as Genspace in Brooklyn, offer aspiring biohackers with access to the most modern lab and a community of hackers at affordable monthly fees.

Part of biohacking’s glamor is the lack of a tiered structure or government watchdog. There is no FDA equivalent to monitor and regulates the work of body hackers, biohackers, or grinders. Continentally, these hackers appear like enthusiast who implants whatever they get into their skin.

The Replacement Species

In The Future We May All Be Replaced by Engineered Humans

In recent years, there have been calls for an interdisciplinary approach to the understanding and evaluation of opportunities for enhancing humans. Technological advancements are being used to make the enhancement of the human species possible. They include present technologies such as information technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology and genetic engineering which includes genomics and genetic coding.

Enhancement options that are being discussed include extension of the human life-span, eliminating unnecessary suffering, disease eradication as well as enhancement of the physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities of humans. Other possible themes include space colonization and creation of super-intelligent machines. The scope is not just limited to medicine and gadgets. It also encompasses social, economic and institutional designs as well as psychological skills and techniques and cultural development.

The Replacement Species Theory

Under this theory, human nature is perceived as a work in progress. Through responsible use of science and technology, it will be possible to achieve the post-human evolutionary state. Such beings will have greater capabilities. In contrast to most ethical outlooks which have a reactionary attitude towards new technologies, champions of this theory are guided by the vision to take an active approach to the technology policies. They want humans to be granted an opportunity to live healthier and longer lives. It will enable them to refine their emotional experiences and increase their subjective sense of well-being. This will enable them to achieve greater control over their lives.

Exploring the Post-human Era

As for now, it might be hard get an intuitive understanding of what it will be like to be in the post-human era. This is because our experiences, activities, feelings and thoughts only constitute a tiny percentage of what is possible. We can only imagine of beings that have reached a greater level of maturity and personal development with full psychic and bodily vigor. However with such advancements, it will be possible to create smarter beings with extraordinary powers of imagination.

Concerning values, it is important to note that our values are mainly defined by our current dispositions. According to the dispositional theory of values described by David Lewis, something is of value to you only if you want it and are well acquainted with it. This happens when you are thinking about and deliberating on it. Basing on this theory, it is possible that there are values which we may not appreciate now as we do not have the right faculties to comprehend them. However, once we achieve the post-human state, we will be acquainted and appreciate them fully.

The Downside to the Theory

The replacement species theory does not necessarily entail technological optimism. Although future technological capabilities have great potential for beneficial deployment, they could be misused to cause much harm. For instance, it might lead to the erosion of unquantifiable assets such as ecological diversity and meaningful human relationships.

The Question of Morality in the Human Germ-Line Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering involves editing the DNA structure of an organism to achieve the desired results. It can be used to correct the genes that cause genetic diseases and pass the genetic fixes to the future generations. It also involves installing genes that offer better development, lifelong protection against infections as well as those that reduce the effects of aging. If used in humans, this will result in the development of superior beings.

The morality of genetic engineering has been debated extensively. Most of those who are opposed to genetic enhancement believe that it is morally wrong to use science to manipulate the human nature. Most are concerned about the psychological effects of germ-line engineering. Selecting genes to create the so-called designer babies will corrupt the parents, who will view their own children as mere products. It is believed that people will begin to evaluate their offspring according to quality control standards. This will undermine the ethical ideals of accepting children regardless of their traits and abilities, all in quest for perfection. In fact this can only worsen social prejudice against the disabled.

The Aspect of Equality

The issue of social equality has been a point of focus for most opponents of genetic coding to produce powerful humans. It is feared that the development might widen the gap between the haves and have-nots. In today’s society, children from wealthier backgrounds enjoy many privileges such as access to better social amenities. The inequality might worsen due to genetic intervention as such technologies can only be afforded by individuals from rich backgrounds. The genetically privileged individuals might become healthier, ageless, super-geniuses with flawless beauty. The non-privileged on the other hand might remain as ordinary people that are deprived and unable to compete with genetically enhanced individuals. The process of might also include some irreversible changes which if negative might spell disaster to the human race.

All in all, it is hard to deny that genetic engineering can help to eliminate unnecessary human suffering. Benefits include eliminating genetic diseases and enhancing the immune system leading to longer, healthier and happier lives. The developments should be regulated to adopt positive modifications and avoid those that might be harmful.

Surgery in The Future

[intro]All these changes can be attributed to the technical advancements which help surgeons to accomplish complex operations safely using fewer incisions. The advancements being experienced in the industry are great news, particularly to those patients facing surgery. This is because the operations are bound to become less invasive, less painful, safer and less expensive. Moreover, patients will experience fewer post-operation complications.[/intro]

The future of surgery will entail:

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Surgical techniques are evolving rapidly. Due to this, futuristic surgery will involve minimal invasive procedures resulting in faster recovery with minimal post-operative pain and reduced scarring. This will revolutionize surgical care and treatment. It is bound to reduce the need for pain medication, shorten hospital stays, improve cosmetic results and reduce trauma to patients.

Single-incision Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy surgery is a medical procedure that requires a surgeon to access the patient’s abdominal cavity. To visualize the cavity, the surgeon can use a laparoscope. He/she can perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures thereafter. Single-incision laparoscopy surgery is the next phase in minimally invasive surgery. The traditional laparoscopy is characterized by multiple entry-points, where 4-5 half-inch to one-inch incisions are made around the surgical area. However, the single-incision laparoscopy surgery procedure requires a single 1.5-2.5 inch incision in the patient’s belly bottom. Miniature surgical tools with a small camera are inserted through the incision during the operation.

Currently the procedure is mainly used for gynecological and gallbladder removal. It is the final frontier in laparoscopic surgery, after which we will expect a natural orifice surgery which will not involve any external incision. Single-incision Laparoscopic Surgery is currently available in more advanced community hospitals. It is however a specialty procedure which requires advanced training.

Robotic Surgery

To perform a successful surgical operation using fewer and smaller incisions, the surgical tools used must be tiny and more advanced. That is where robotic surgery comes in. It is a computer-assisted surgical procedure which enables the surgeon to carry out a surgical operation using robotic instruments. The equipment uses a surgical robotic arm which can go beyond the limits of a human hand. It is also possible to amplify video images in the 3D format and perform more precise movements.

Robotics will be very instrumental in helping surgeons to perform intricate and more complex surgeries within a short time. It will also be less painful with minimal scarring. Currently, robotic surgery is mainly performed by cardiothoracic surgeons, urologists and gynecological surgeons. Once it is fully adopted as a surgical procedure, it will encompass other aspects such as:

  1. Telesurgery and telementoring: This will facilitate surgical performance and assistance from remote locations.
  2. Telepresence: This will enable clinicians and surgeons to interact with their patients from remote locations. While having the patients’ record library, they will be able to make informed decisions just as if they were in the patient’s room.
  3. Remote ICU Monitoring: This will enable the clinician to monitor the patient’s waveforms and records using a wireless device such as a handheld PDA.
  4. Haptic Feedback: The development will help to restore some sense of touch to a surgeon which is either lacking or diminished in the Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Accurate Use of Technology in Diagnosing Diseased Tissues

Historically, surgeons exclusively relied on their surgical expertise and eyes to identify diseased tissues that may need to be removed. However, with the new fluorescent imaging technology, diagnosing a diseased tissue is going to be much easier. For instance, it can show the surgeon how much of a patient’s kidney is cancerous enabling him/her to remove that part of the organ or tissue that is infected.

During the procedure, a special dye is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. The dye is able to highlight the cancerous sections of a tissue. The surgeon then uses a special type of night-vision googles to locate highlighted tumors. He or she can easily remove them and preserve those parts of the tissue that are still healthy. Currently fluorescent imaging is mainly used by radiologists in identifying intestinal bleeding points and lymph nodes in cases of breast cancer.

The future of surgery is quite bright. Precisely,  by the year 2035 we should expect virtual or remote surgeons who use high tech equipment to perform more advanced and efficient surgical operations.

Uncovering The Myth Of Exploding Head Syndrome

[intro]Coming under the category of parasomnia, Exploding Head Syndrome is a rare and exclusive condition that involves a series of events that occurs just preceding the onset of sleep. The condition is primarily manifested as a loud boom, not very different from a very loud explosion in your head.[/intro]

What Is Exploding Head Syndrome?

The onset of the event has been manifested in different ways from person to person. However, the common phenomenon observed is that of an extremely loud noise. The sound can be similar to a gun going off near your ear or a bomb explosion occurring right in your vicinity. There have also been sounds of loud cymbals and other undecipherable sounds.

Though there is no actual physical injury associated with this event, what makes this event even more distinct from other mental shock that occurs as a consequence can last for an extended period of time, sometimes lasting more than months and even years. Immediately after an event of Exploding Head Syndrome, there have been reports of victims experiencing visions of bright flashes of light. There have also been reports of bouts of shortness of breath. These are basically signs of elevated heart rate and the symptoms dissipate within a short span of time.

What Causes Exploding Head Syndrome

Exploding Head Syndrome has been mostly associated with extremely high levels of stress and fatigue. It has been observed that people over the age of fifty are most prone to this condition. There has not been a comprehensive study about this phenomenon since the events have not been appropriately documented by the victims. Due to this, the root cause of Exploding Head Syndrome has not been identified.

Another reason why the condition has not received any significant exposure is that the condition does not actually pose any major physical threat. In a lot of cases, it doesn’t even affect the sleep of an individual and hence medical attention is not sought following these events. They are perceived to be a one-off event and not taken lightly by the people around the victim. However, not it is deemed necessary to consult a physician to ascertain the symptoms are indeed indicative of this phenomenon and to rule out other physical or mental conditions.

Due to the lack of investigation into this condition, not many medications or treatment modules have been devised to treat this condition; however, in certain cases clomipramine, which is a known tricyclic antidepressant, has been used in treatment of this condition.

Sharing Helps

In recent times, quite a large number of people have been sharing their own experiences associated with Exploding Head Syndrome on public forums online. With more and more data coming in, health care professionals have been working on identifying a pattern and thereby identify the root cause of the condition, which will consequently help them to produce a formal therapeutic strategy.

Underlying Factors

Most incidents have been linked to lack of sleep in the victims and hence poor sleeping habits have been noted to put people at higher risk of developing the condition. In some cases, the episodes have been reported to occur in combination with “sleep paralysis” which can be a terrifying experience for the victim. One of the victims reported to have experienced sleep paralysis as condition similar to an experience of drowning. The victim remembers trying to kick in desperation to reach the surface, but failing to do so in end. In the case of Exploding Head Syndrome, the victim compares the event to somebody suddenly hiking up the volume to the maximum level on a radio on which static is playing. It would even leave the ears of the victim ringing for several hours after.

How To Deal with Exploding Head Syndrome

Health professionals who have been researching on the condition over the past couple of years have advised potential victims to take things easy and get involved in activities that can help the mind to calm down. Practicing proper sleep discipline can also go a long way when it comes to keeping such events at bay. Although the condition is not physically threatening and incapable of causing long term damage, victims of Exploding Head Syndrome are known to experience elevated stress levels, which could end up interfering with their normal life activities and deteriorating the quality of life.

From the perspective of somebody suffering from Exploding Head Syndrome, the most important aspect to be keeping in mind is that you are not alone in your experience and sharing your experiences can help make life normal.

Weird Looking Animals

Not all animals are cute and cuddlesome as giant pandas or as beautiful and magnificent as peacocks. At least on the surface, certain animals are regarded as “ugly.” Such animals tend to look so weird and strange that no one would give them a second look. However, beauty is just skin deep, and regardless of their looks, all animals are equally important and have a natural role that they fulfill.
Thus, below are some of the most unsightly, “ugly creatures” that have their own unique characteristics and traits that set them apart.

Goblin Shark

goblin shark

This reminds me to not go deep sea diving, where these rare but real sharks do exist at up to 1300 metres. This may or may not be the ugliest creature on the planet, but it surely is one of the scariest looking we have come across. If its not for the bizarre red lipstick and pink skin, then its the razor sharp teeth and the popping eyeball.  It’s rarity is something that makes it more mysterious, sometimes found off the U.S coast in the Gulf of Mexico, and also by Taiwanese fisherman when out on deep sea fishing runs, this is surely one of the ugliest creatures.

 

California condor

Californian Condor
The California condor is the largest North American flying land bird that is among the rarest birds in the world. This bird looks graceful when gliding high in the West Coast above the canyons and deserts. However, this bird does not look very photogenic up close. Since it is a scavenger, so it has a bald head, since feathers on their head would easily get clotted and stained with blood whenever they fed on large carrion.

Blobfish

blobfish
Judging a fish out of water is probably not fair, but the appearance of a blobfish is more like that of a ball of slime or snot rather than that of a living creature. Blobfishes happen to be deepsea fishes that live at depths where pressures are extremely high. Thus, their gelatinous, gooey and slime-like flesh actually helps them survive by keeping them buoyant at those depths where gaseous bladders are not able to function.

Naked mole rat

naked mole rat
Considering the fact that they happen to be bald rodents, it should not be surprising that it is not easy for naked mole rats to maintain a vibrant self-image. These rodents live in insect-like colonies under the ground, and they do not really require good eyesight. Their hairless bodies also help them survive in the underground environment. Despite their appearance, it is interesting and remarkable that naked mole rats live the longest out of all rodents of this size, almost 30 years, and happen to be resistant to cancer.

Proboscis monkey

proboscis monkey
If humans had such big noses, they would probably go and hide themselves, never to be seen again. However, bigger noses are actually a good thing for proboscis monkeys. The bigger and more bulbous their noses, the more successful male proboscis monkeys are in turning on female proboscis monkeys and mating with them. Proboscis moneys also use their big noses to make loud and resonating warning calls as well.

Star-nosed mole

star nosed mole
Out of all the living creatures in the animal kingdom, these moles have the most peculiar and strange noses. Their odd-looking noses have 22 protruding appendages that form a star-like ring and serve ultra-sensitive fingers. There happen to be over 25,000 minute receptors that line these appendages, making it possible for these moles to feel their way through their underground lair.

Aye-aye

Aye Aye
The aye-aye is a primate, native to Madagascar, but it looks more like a gremlin. There are quite a few unusual traits that make aye-ayes look weird. For instance, they have bony and long fingers, like those of a witch, used for prying grubs and insects from tree trunks. In this regard, they are somewhat like woodpeckers. Also, they happen to be nocturnal, so it is only possible to spot them at night.

Monkfish

monkfish
No matter how freaky-looking and unappetizing these fishes seem to be, they actually happen to be a treasured delicacy that is commonly eaten. Nonetheless, monkfish appear to be so repulsive that they have often been confused with the sea monk, a legendary sea monster.

Marabou stork

Maribou Stork

No doubt, these storks look quite sickly. These African birds stand more than 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of over 10 feet. Much like the California condor, these storks also have bald heads because they are scavengers and they feed on large carrion. What is even more scary and weird is that they even eat other birds, including flamingos.

Horseshoe bat

Horse Shoe Bat

Horseshoe bats happen to be insect-eating bats so they catch their prey using echolocation. However, their face has quite a warped appearance, which makes it look more like a human ear. However, the shape of their face actually enhances the reception of these bats to sounds waves, as a result of which they are able to promptly navigate through the air.
Conclusion
Despite their unsightly appearance, the above ugly creatures are unique in their own ways.

8 places you’ve got to visit in Australia

8 places you’ve got to visit in Australia:

Given the length of the plane ride, it is essential to make any trip to Australia worth your while. Thankfully Australia has a plethora of sights, sounds and experiences for travellers of all ages to enjoy. Whilst it would be impossible for you to take them all in in one trip, there are some things which simply cannot be missed. Here are eight spots you have got to visit in Australia:

Sydney

Sydney

Climb the Sydney harbour bridge, take in an opera at that little known opera house, or if you’re lucky enough to be there for New Year’s Eve, be sure to take in the spectacular fireworks display.

Melbourne

Melbourne

Melbourne is home to the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex which is the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere; with Blackjack, Craps, Poker and Roulette on offer you will want to practice before you get there and play online games at Euro Palace to increase your chance of success! Or if you’re around in January, you might want to grab some tickets to the Australian Open, one of the four tennis grand slams.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay

Known for its beaches which are perfect for surfing, Byron Bay is also a good spot for whale watching and is a popular resort for tourists and backpackers. It is the perfect location to top up your tan!

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

See the incredible wildlife in the Great Barrier Reef. The biodiversity in this region has to be seen to be believed. It is the largest coral reef in the world and is home to the Flatback Turtle, Salt Water Crocodile and Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin. It is the perfect place to enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.

Uluru (Ayre’s Rock)

Australia

At 348 metres high and a 9km circumference, Uluru (also known as Ayre’s Rock) is an impressive sight to behold. It is the world’s largest monolith, and its sandstone changes colour depending on the time of day from a light brown to a deep red.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a protected region, approximately 171km southeast of Darwin. There is so much nature and history in the area, it is a perfect place for wildlife lovers to visit.

Great Ocean Road

great ocean road

The Great Ocean Road is 243km along the south-eastern coast of Australia from Torquay and Allansford. There are lots of activities and sights to stop off of on the road, such as the Twelve Apostles, making it an ideal route for a road trip.

Tasmania

Known as the ‘Natural State’, Tasmania is a truly unspoiled natural beauty. It is the perfect place to go for walks to appreciate the landscape, and Cradle Mountain is well worth a visit. Whilst you’re there, be sure to keep an eye out for Possums, Wallabies and Pademelons!Australia

The World’s Most Expensive Homes

7 Of The World’s Most Expensive Homes

While to most of the earth’s inhabitants a shelter from the harmful weather elements coupled with some conveniences and amenities like food and water comfortably pass for a home, there are some homes in the world, which currently cost more than most of the people, can dare to imagine, more than even some of the biggest corporations.

Here is a comprehensive review of  the 7 world’s most expensive homes in the world.

7. The penthouse in One Hyde Park; London

One Hyde Park London

one hyde park

This house hosting a two-floor apartment with six bedrooms is currently the seventh most expensive home in the world standing at $159,000,000. The apartments overlook the Hyde Park, great scenery for the tenants and one worth the price too. The building has virtually all its aspects in great shape and quality too. One very unique feature in these homes is that all the windows are bullet proof for maximum security. Recently it has been said to have been bought by an Eastern European.

6. Palace Green in Kensington Palace Gardens, London

Palace Green

This mansion cost the owner Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal a cool $222,000,000. To match the value however, it has everything just right. The building, for instance portrays elegance and power just from a glance. What is, however, more breathtaking is the inside of the house. It has the best of everything; ample space, necessary appliances, up-to-date technology, and the best supporting staff to ensure the owner lives like the palace the castle is. Security is also quite tight and reliable.

5. Fairfield in Sagaponack, New York

Ira Rennert Homse

This is not only one of the most expensive homes in the world; owned by Ira Rennert, but one of the most beautiful too. Its beauty and glamor is however best enjoyed from above. Its current value stands at $248,000,000. The home itself is very big and it takes up most of the compound’s space but very strategically. It hosts 29 bedrooms and a ton of other necessities as well as convenient rooms. It is a bright brown and white from afar, colors both of which leak of elegance. The compound on the other hand is very well partitioned and maintained as it also harbors other facilities and pleasures like parking space, swimming pools, gardens, and plantations and others. In addition to the serene compound, the house also faces the beach, enjoying the best of nature too.

4. The White House, Washington DC

The White House

It is one of the most significant and protected homes in the world, but not the most expensive. It is nonetheless one of the most expensive ones with a current value of $320,364,354. It has the best of everything really, from amenities and resources to appliances and security. Even nature is subject to some degree of control here. The one unique thing about it however is that unlike the other most expensive homes in the world, buying this home is out of the question. There is only one way in.

3. The Villa Leopolda, France

French Villa

This is one of the most expensive homes globally, but the most expensive in Europe. It sits on 20 acres of land and is currently worth $506,000,000. A calm and serene environment surrounds it with trees, taking up most of the space set aside for nature. The compound, just like the inside, hosts some great resources and facilities like a swimming pool and a garden to relax in and enjoy the fresh and clean air. The inside too matches the outside in looks and quality. Other aspects like security too are guaranteed.

2. Antilla, Mumbai

Antilla Mumbai

This 27-floor tower hovering on the city of Mumbai and worth $1,000,000,000 (1 billion) is one single home. It is not only made with some of the best materials in the industry, it also hosts some of the best and most uniquely bizarre personal collections in the world; the owner’s collection of antique sewing machines for example. Albeit it is a single home, it requires the services of over 600 staff workers to keep on running smoothly on a daily basis. The most noticeable feature about it is that it has a parking space with the capacity to hold about 168 cars, making the chances of at least stepping in as a guest wider.

1. Buckingham Palace

Queen's home

This house tops the list of the most expensive homes in the world standing at $1,560,000,000. Perhaps the most significant feature about it other than the glamour and glory of its status, is its age. All in all, the home is made out of the best stone and construction, and it seems to have survived the years pretty well, without a scratch even. The compound too is not only big, but also plentiful as it hosts some of the best sceneries and the gifts of nature like flowers. A towering statue built just in front of the home; however seems to get all the attention at the first glance and for all the right reasons too since it lacks of among other things power.
All in all, those are the seven most expensive homes in the world, believe it or not.