Should we use genetic engineering of species to eliminate diseases?
Through DNA editing, researchers hope to alter the genetic destiny of species and eliminate diseases.
Esvelt, who is thirty-four, directs the “sculpting evolution” group at M.I.T., where he and his colleagues are attempting to design molecular tools capable of fundamentally altering the natural world. If the residents of Nantucket agree, Esvelt intends to use those tools to rewrite the DNA of white-footed mice to make them immune to the bacteria that cause Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. He and his team would breed the mice in the laboratory and then, as an initial experiment, release them on an uninhabited island. If the number of infected ticks begins to plummet, he would seek permission to repeat the process on Nantucket and on nearby Martha’s Vineyard.
Sure, what could go wrong?
Side Score: 1
|
 |
Wait..., what? No!!!
Side Score: 2
|
|
|
|
|
1
point
A big no from me. We would need to do at least 50 more years of research before we should attempt messing with our genome. I find the answer could lie more in technology and cybernetics. Little pills with robots for internal issues and surgeries (nanotrites), replacement of limbs and organs with machines, electric pulse and soundwave technology for our brain But first and foremost - a revision of our healthcare system. One that isnt run for profit....cause with money comes power and corruption, and then we'll end up with a terminator situation on our hands LOL Side: Wait..., what? No!!!
|
