Eugenics Wars

[psikeyhackr]

I ran across something a few days ago that really demonstrates what science fiction is about. 

Scientists Create Mutant "Super Mouse"

You know what Star Trek episode that is:

Space Seed

psik

[cosmonaut]

I would be very surprised if this wasn't coming. First to heal the sick, then for convenience.

I don't think genetic manipulation in itself is bad, but when your society becomes like the one portrayed in "Gattaca", that would be very unfortunate.

Prenatal diagnosis already puts a bit of pressure on a becoming mother when the child is diagnosed to be disabled, and parents with a disabled child might get looks and questions for not aborting.

I think this is something worth discussing, how technologies we can only imagine will influence our future. It's always a projection from present day and more often than not we are (fortunately?) wrong, but I think it's important to be aware of such possibilities and, when necessary, counteract them.

In the case of super strength there are some downsides to consider:

"The good news is that while Liam's condition prevents his body from developing the fat young children need for brain growth and development of the central nervous system, he appears to be doing well both physically and mentally. But while he excels in the strength-related activities in his gymnastics class, he has more difficulty than other kids with his balance and flexibility."
http://www.parentdish.com/2009/04/02/rare-condition-gives-toddler-super-strength/

[Bromptonboy]

I would be very surprised if this wasn't coming. First to heal the sick, then for convenience.

I don't think genetic manipulation in itself is bad, but when your society becomes like the one portrayed in "Gattaca", that would be very unfortunate.

Prenatal diagnosis already puts a bit of pressure on a becoming mother when the child is diagnosed to be disabled, and parents with a disabled child might get looks and questions for not aborting.

I think this is something worth discussing, how technologies we can only imagine will influence our future. It's always a projection from present day and more often than not we are (fortunately?) wrong, but I think it's important to be aware of such possibilities and, when necessary, counteract them.

In the case of super strength there are some downsides to consider:

"The good news is that while Liam's condition prevents his body from developing the fat young children need for brain growth and development of the central nervous system, he appears to be doing well both physically and mentally. But while he excels in the strength-related activities in his gymnastics class, he has more difficulty than other kids with his balance and flexibility."
http://www.parentdish.com/2009/04/02/rare-condition-gives-toddler-super-strength/

Have you ever seen the movie Gattica?  This movie tries to delve into genetic manipulation - and resulting prejudices that follow.  Quite good and worth a look.

[wraith1701]

Some interesting parallels with 'Augments'-- increased physical ability coupled with increased aggression..

Anyway; I'm interested in seeing where this research is heading.   If it could someday lead to treatments for different genetic disorders, I'm all for it. 

[psikeyhackr]

Had anybody heard about this before I posted it?  That is what I found weird.   That It was TWO YEARS OLD without my having heard it and it isn't lots of places on the net.

Some deranged scientists could be making super babies right now.  We might not find out ofr 20 years or more.

Imagine what some super athletes could do to sports.

[cosmonaut]

Yes, I did hear about this. It's pretty amazing, isn't it.

And as you see in the article I posted super strong humans already exist. A natural mutation. There's also a German kid, probably inherited the muscle from his mother, she's an athlete.
(And if you wonder why there aren't more humans with this trait, they do need large amounts of food, otherwise their intelligence is going to suffer, and they are the first to die in a famine.)

Gene manipulation will be as damaging to sports and athletes as doping.

[psikeyhackr]

they do need large amounts of food, otherwise their intelligence is going to suffer, and they are the first to die in a famine.)

That would explain why this would not have become a dominant trait for most of history.

There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch  TANSTAAFL

psik