The Promise and Peril of Genetic Manipulation

Genetics (and, by extension, genetic manipulation) is a field of science that has the potential to stir more controversy and protest than any medical problem that came earlier than it. It is because understanding the principles and controlling the variables of genetics opens up the potential for humanity taking the reins of its own evolution from nature. The ability to alter genetics and “design” future generations, nonetheless, can pose consequences which may be unknown to present scientific thought such as the fictional “genetic saturation” seen in the anime sequence “Gundam SEED.” In the series, genetically upgraded people, whereas possessing psychological and physical talents surpassing their genetically “pure” counterparts suffered problems related to their sexual health.

A few episodes of the collection noted that genetic superiority came at a cost that none of them had anticipated: sterility. Their physical capability to engage in sexual intercourse was not compromised, however their sexual well being suffered in the sense that those that didn’t have genetically “pure” dad and mom couldn’t sire offspring. The problem, according to dialogs on the present itself and background info launched by the creators of the collection, was that the upgraded genes had “saturated” the gene pool, to the point that combining one’s upgraded DNA with others who had genetic upgrades effectively “shut down” the power to procreate naturally. The one solution found within the collection that did not contain sacrificing genetic superiority was to add additional alterations to the human genome. This was stated to be little greater than a cease-gap measure, a brief-time period repair for a harmful sexual health problem. In accordance with the follow-up series, “Gundam SEED Future,” further changes to human DNA would only compound the issue inside “ or three generations.”
site
Of course, sexual health is never thought of to be an aspect of human existence that will be compromised by artificial genetic upgrades. In most science fiction exhibits that exhibit it, writers seem to be more concerned with the ethical and cultural implications of being “genetically superior.” One such instance may be found in Gene Roddenberry’s “Andromeda,” where a human sub-race referred to as Nietzscheans had drastically reverse values from normal humans. The Nietzscheans, as a race, take pleasure of their genetic superiority and can go to great lengths to both be certain that they cross on their genes and show that they have superior genetics. This extends not only to unaltered humans, but additionally to their fellow Nietzscheans. This takes the shape not solely of bodily battle, but also in political, social, and bodily backstabbing, betrayal, manipulation, and competition. To the standard Nieztschean mentality, passing on superior genes is the best way to make sure that the entire race is made stronger with every successive generation, ensuring their continued survival and superiority over the way more numerous extraordinary humans.

The pursuit of genetic superiority, however, has fueled a phenomenon in science fiction that has a frighteningly realistic parallel. Even with just the prospect of manipulating genetics looming somewhere on the horizon, there are already groups opposing studies going into that area. There are clear benefits except for genetic superiority, resembling the potential of ridding humanity of diseases with genetic links. However, there are several groups which are throwing spiritual and theoretical arguments against genetic manipulation. Science fiction has echoed this sentiment in several stories, with most sci-fi worlds that have genetically superior humans being opposed by armed, militant groups of the “genetically pure.”

Me and you invited to  make free translation  this page with free translation software