July 28 2008 / by futuretalk
Category: Other Year: General Rating: 4 Hot
By Dick Pelletier
“DNA scientists are moving ever closer to the day when
genetically engineering people will become commonplace and easily
affordable,” begins narrator Jeff Goldblum in a recent DNA series on PBS.
But some say this is no big deal. DNA
has been making changes in every life form on earth throughout
history. Plants and animals survived the ice age because nature
changed their DNA to make them stronger.
And prior to ancient Egyptian times, man began to influence
DNA changes in plants, livestock, and
pets with selective seeds and breeding.
In 1865 Gregor Mendel published the basic principles of
genetics. By the early 1900’s, farmers from around the world began
using Mendel’s techniques to improve crops by splicing genes from
one strain into another.
Theodore Friedmann of UC San Diego says that although current
gene transferring technology cannot do much, methods will almost
certainly be developed in the near future that can modify most
human genetic traits.
DNA’s power is nothing short of
amazing. It enables life to begin as a tiny clump of atoms and grow
into a human, animal, or plant. But sometimes, this mighty chemical
makes mistakes – and cancer, heart disease, or other terrible
sicknesses result.
The Human Genome Project has given scientists a better
understanding of how mutated or damaged genes do their dirty work.
Doctors can now correct genetic injustices like Down Syndrome,
cystic fibrosis, mental illnesses, and other diseases, and
scientists are finding more cures every day.
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers recently engineered
mice to produce the beneficial fat found in salmon, and they claim
this can someday be duplicated in humans. Instead of buying fish at
the market to acquire this valuable nutrient, we will simply
produce it in our body.
The American Diabetes Association and other health organizations
were recently responsible for the $3 billion California initiative
to research stem cell technology. They hope to create replacement
organs for people suffering from heart, liver, spinal cord damage,
and other health problems.
Opponents say genetic engineering represents God-like powers –
not meant for man. But scientists ask: does anyone deserve to spend
their life in a wheel chair, or suffer premature death? Supporters
believe that this technology makes sense and that eventually,
society as a whole will embrace it.
So, where might genetic engineering take us? By 2015, people
could be given an option to not only correct problems in their own
bodies using genetic engineering, but also customize their
offspring ensuring a healthy, intelligent child. And by 2025-2030,
this amazing technology could provide all older adults with a
forever youthful and healthy body, regardless of age.
Will this “magical future” happen? Many believe momentum created
by today’s research is already driving this “designer body” future
towards reality. The question to ask is not will this future
happen, but when. Comments welcome.
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