Genetics is the most powerful tool we have for producing “who” we want to be – in someone else. What happens when a base-pair within the DNA molecule gets shifted or damaged? With 23,000 genes in the human genome, we may be limited in what genetic engineering can produce (in us anyway).<\/p>\n
Are we wanting to create a better species of humans? Where do you start the process? Is it in the brain, where potential for great intelligence is said to be seated? Is it in the body’s athletic stamina and strength? How about a super human ability to heal and regenerate, possibly a limb or organ? How different from ourselves would or could those individuals be?<\/p>\n
An article in the Journal of Young Investigators points out a possible problem with human genetic engineering:<\/p>\n
Female zebra finches prefer males with symmetric colorings.<\/strong> The rationale behind symmetry preference in both humans and animals is that symmetric individuals have a higher mate-value; scientists believe that this symmetry is equated with a strong immune system. Thus, beauty is indicative of more robust genes<\/strong>, improving the likelihood that an individual’s offspring will survive. (Journal of Young Investigators “Looking Good: Psychology and Biology of Beauty”, Issue 6, December 2002)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Looks can be deceiving. Individuals who look different from “the norm” can be adored – and ostracized, teased and worse. Celebrities like entertainers, political figures, and elite athletes often get ostracized for their own safety from an adoring or jealous following – we want the “best of us” to look and behave like we wish we could – but what do celebrities sacrifice as a result of our adoration and envy?<\/p>\n
Whatever the reasons driving us towards a better and, well, “perfect” human, all we had to do in the first place was wiggle our noses! Perhaps we have been looking in the\u00a0 wrong direction – appearance. DNA is more about successful survival based on real threats from our environment than on producing “the best looking.” Besides, there seems to be among humans a strong desire for variety – an interesting little contradiction to the hive-mind philosophy that makes us respect and honor the “rugged individual” over the more cooperative.<\/p>\n
From time immemorial, we humans have tried to change everything around us into something different than what it is. This is a somewhat conflicted behavior, as we abhor others doing the same to us. “I just love change as long as it doesn’t apply to me!!”<\/p>\n
I\u00a0 wonder if DNA is just a program that keeps everything in perspective for us. It’s nice to go on vacation but it’s even nicer coming back home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Genetics is the most powerful tool we have for producing “who” we want to be – in someone else. What happens when a base-pair within the DNA molecule gets shifted or damaged? With 23,000 genes in the human genome, we … Continue reading