Genetic Engineering

It all starts with DNA, DeoxyriboNucleic Acid. Without understanding our DNA genetic engineering is impossible.

At present, we have information about approximately 50% of our genes and science is leaping ahead developing new ways to use this knowledge and expand it. Genetic Engineering is a controversial and complex subject, fraught with ethical and moral debates, full of intriguing science and medicine.

Genetic Engineering

Here, at the future of human evolution website we will look at it all: the political, religious, moral, scientific and medical. You can use the menu on the left to explore the issues we have already covered, and we are continuously adding to this content so it's always worth checking back.

Down page you will find lots of resources to help you further understand this fascinating and complex subject. What you won't find in either the news or links section is information about genetically modified crops or animal experimentation, except where it directly affects or influences human genetic engineering.

In terms of human evolution we see genetic engineering as falling into five key areas; Disease Prevention and Elimination, Longevity, Adaptability, Capacity and Fashion. We will be covering each of these areas in more depth.

Disease Elimination

Disease, by it's very nature, has a genetic component. A disease is either inherited or the result of the body's response to environmental elements such as a virus. At present human genetic engineering is primarily carried out through a process known as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis or Selection either PGD or PGS. No real engineering takes place .....

Disease Elimination

    

Longevity

Throughout history humanity has been searching for the secret of eternal youth. Not just trying to find ways to live longer but also to stay younger for longer. The time is coming where those things may be possible. Scientists are gradually identifying the causes of aging. They are finding ways to improve our quality and extent of life, to clone and engineer organs, cells and tissue.

Longevity

Capacity

The human body is a remarkable piece of engineering and we have incredible capacity to make changes to ourselves: to become stronger, to develop skills in new areas, to learn new things. And we can do these things without the aid of science or medicine. What can happen when we add in the use of evolving technology is limited only by our desires and imagination. Some of the things we explore here are the use of current technology for improved athletic performance and the possibilities for enhanced or altered brain functionality. We will also be adding new articles, which will further investigate this fascinating and controversial area.

Capacity

    

Adaptability

The application of genetic engineering for adapting the human form is purely speculative at this juncture, but the implications are far-reaching. One example of adaptability is this: As we explore the universe and find ourselves in every conceivable environment, genetic engineering can be used to produce specialized physical forms suited to particular situations (Pantropy). Centuries-long interstellar space travel brings with it new challenges and needs. Other examples are the human pseudo fish who live much of their lives underwater or the winged CEO who never pays for an airline ticket again. Or the very short human who crawls around fixing the space ships engine.

Adaptability

    

Fashion

While not immediately obvious, genetic engineering as a fashion tool does have its implications for future human evolution. Let us imagine what would be happening if the technique were available today, how would humankind look? What happens when a particular characteristic becomes unfashionable? Or more alarmingly, what if certain looks or traits become ubiquitous? Studies have shown that looks and intelligence alike (both genetically determined) are directly related to societal success in terms of position, power, and pay. As the ability to choose these 'successful' looks becomes readily available and affordable, will we become a homogeneous Orwellian society not only looking alike, but thinking alike? Would this be bad? How would it affect human evolution in its broadest sense? What influence would this trend (or the potential counter trend) have on the species?

Fashion