Scientists Playing God

In some countries, concerns about the environment have caused strong resistance to Genetically Modified Organisms in plants and food. Where I live there were organised protests and civil disobedience. Yet, in my experience, the campaigners are strangely quiet about genetic modifications to human DNA, except about the use of embryonic stem cells.

I don’t know where I stand on the scientific issues facing us today, but I think it’s important to be aware of what’s going on. If we don’t understand the concepts, we might still have to live with the consequences. And when we interfere with nature there may be no going back.

Craig Venter, a key figure in decoding the human genome (for profit rather than philanthropic reasons), claims to be on the verge of creating synthetic life. I found the video below both fascinating and alarming.

On the other hand, the ability to tweak DNA to prevent the early-onset of Alzheimer’s or to cure Cystic Fibrosis and other genetic disorders, is completely compelling.

Interfering with cells to slow down aging is ethically more ambiguous, but if it becomes a practical, pain free option, it will be hard to resist.

Where will we draw the line and who will decide?