Genetic Engineering: Do you support it?

[silentstriker]

Well, I watched Gattaca again, and I wanted to get people's opinions on what they support. Some clarification: germ line refers to the sperm and the egg, meaning if you make a gene change there, it will be passed down through normal procreation, and it will be part of the human genome. In essence, you are forever changing the composition of the human species - with enough time, it could spread throughout the human species thereby altering it in some way forever.

Non-germline changes are changes for the individual, but when you procreate, those changes won't be passed down through the generations (meaning, your child would have to also be genetically engineered for those genes to be carried forward). It must be noted that as of right now, most scientists and bioethicists don't recommend any changes to the human germline.

And when I say genes from other sources, I mean genes that could be found in other species. For example, if a gene in a species makes us resistant to a certain disease, but it is not found in any human population whatsoever. Or it could be a gene designed from scratch in the laboratory. Whereas, some genes are found in human populations, such as the gene that makes one resistant to HIV (it is found in a small percentage of northern Europeans) but you personally may not have it and could theoretically get it.

Note that right now, most of it is not possible (some of it may not be for a long time, especially ones that require control or the part of about synthetic genes, etc, but assuming it is). I have a feeling that within 50 years, most of the above will be realistically possible - and some of it may be possible within 10-15 years (it would probably start with early elimination of certain diseases via gene therapy).

If you could explain your position, that would be great. I'm really interested in this topic (thinking about doing a research project on it), and I'd be interested in peoples thought process. I think I've made it flexible enough to encompass most people's opinions.

Also, another question not asked in the poll: If it were available, and other people were using it, would you also use it on your children to not give them a disadvantage?

As for me personally, I would support full changes, including changes to the germline once we have the technology to do it safely.

[Flem274*]

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[silentstriker]

Well, I figured my soul-brother would agree with me.

[G.I.Joe]

Regulation is going to be a major headache.

[Fusion]

Where's the "too many options, head exploding" choice?

[Top_Cat]

Originally Posted by G.I.Joe

Regulation is going to be a major headache.

This is a good point. Gene patents trouble me.

[Flem274*]

It depends really, obviously its plain common sense to use any advantage over dangerous sicknesses etc that we may find, but it just take one person to **** it up and we all grow piggy tails.

I'll have a good look at the poll options again and decide eventually.

[Flem274*]

Went full changes, but no permanent ones to the germline, so we have a back door if the **** hits the fan.

[99*]

If science fiction has taught us anything, it's not to mess with the human genome.

[silentstriker]

Originally Posted by Flem274*

Went full changes, but no permanent ones to the germline, so we have a back door if the **** hits the fan.

Originally Posted by Flem274*

It depends really, obviously its plain common sense to use any advantage over dangerous sicknesses etc that we may find, but it just take one person to **** it up and we all grow piggy tails.

I'll have a good look at the poll options again and decide eventually.

Well, if we can make changes to the germline, we can unmake them too . But if the genes are out in the population, they become harder to eradicate after a couple hundred years.

I don't think it would be like everyone getting stuck with pig tails type of thing.

[Flem274*]

Originally Posted by silentstriker

Well, if we can make changes to the germline, we can unmake them too . But if the genes are out in the population, they become harder to eradicate after a couple hundred years.

I don't think it would be like everyone getting stuck with pig tails type of thing.

I like to exaggerate.

Well that sounds safer but still atm I'd prefer a way out if things go wrong, there's always a chance.

[silentstriker]

Yea, I do think thats a fair enough position. There could be an effect from a gene that we don't know, and won't for a while. Especially when mixing and matching all sorts of genes. And if the particular change doesn't manifest itself for a long time, by that time, it could be very widespread and very hard to eradicate. I think its a legitimate concern and thats why I put it as an option for every choice. As I said before, most scientists, as of right now, don't support germline changes for that reason.

Me, well, **** happens, I want to see gamma rays, hear x-rays, smell dark matter....cylon style.

[Flem274*]

Hear X-Rays?

As for me, I half want that LHC to blow up and make a black hole, least we get to see one then.

[silentstriker]

That line was from Battlestar Galactica.

[Flem274*]

Originally Posted by silentstriker

That line was from Battlestar Galactica.

Right, don't watch it.