What if gene modification was allowed?

Think about it. You could have certain traits changed, like for soldiers, eyes that can see in the dark, like certain animals, heightened smell and hearing, etc. Even a body that's really strong, like an ox! That would give the country who is involved in this an advantage during war. What do you think?

I see the possibility for cosmetic changes (eye color, skin color, hair color, height, etc.). But splicing DNA with animals would backfire. It would probably be illegal to give people abilities. Imagine someone with the strength of an ant but enhanced to match the body of a human. They'd be too strong.

I see the possibility for cosmetic changes (eye color, skin color, hair color, height, etc.). But splicing DNA with animals would backfire. It would probably be illegal to give people abilities. Imagine someone with the strength of an ant but enhanced to match the body of a human. They'd be too strong.

JediXMan7

If our technology advance to that stage I'm sure it will be done

Id do it. Then id join the Gattaca Space Program!!

[QUOTE="JediXMan7"]

I see the possibility for cosmetic changes (eye color, skin color, hair color, height, etc.). But splicing DNA with animals would backfire. It would probably be illegal to give people abilities. Imagine someone with the strength of an ant but enhanced to match the body of a human. They'd be too strong.

hydralisk86

First, the military would probably use it. Civilians would be restricted. Not to say that some won't get their hands on it, but full out allowing it would create chaos.

I'm just speaking from a hypothetical standpoint. Personally, I wouldn't mind one or two modifications. Could be interesting to have enhanced speed, sight, etc. But to be honest, I wouldn't be thrilled with the idea.

PS: Have you ever seen the TV show Batman Beyond? It included DNA splicing. Showed one girl who wanted cat's eyes.

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"][QUOTE="JediXMan7"]

I see the possibility for cosmetic changes (eye color, skin color, hair color, height, etc.). But splicing DNA with animals would backfire. It would probably be illegal to give people abilities. Imagine someone with the strength of an ant but enhanced to match the body of a human. They'd be too strong.

JediXMan7

First, the military would probably use it. Civilians would be restricted. Not to say that some won't get their hands on it, but full out allowing it would create chaos.

I'm just speaking from a hypothetical standpoint. Personally, I wouldn't mind one or two modifications. Could be interesting to have enhanced speed, sight, etc. But to be honest, I wouldn't be thrilled with the idea.

PS: Have you ever saw the TV show Batman Beyond? It included DNA splicing. Showed one girl who wanted cat's eyes.

Does that mean no more sex? If so, then hell no!

I should also mention the Liger. This animal is a cross between the Tiger and the Lion. The Liger cannot support its own species, and can only be created in labs (correct me if I'm wrong). Therefore I'd imagine that, if your DNA was spliced, you could not have children after that point.

Just a theory.

Yes, but only as used to advance human kind. No military involvement or trouble would be inevitable. But heightening intelligence levels to create "super scientists" and what not could only benfit us all. And some small modifications could also be done for the public. Such as a better metabolism, maybe changing genes that make people suseptable to heart disease and such. Advanced hearing and sight would also be positive. I think this would be the next big leap in man-kind, if the proper restrictions were put in place.

I don't know, I mean where will it end? At some point it'll start being who has the best DNA or firmware or software version so to speak. What happens to those that can't get it?

What happens to actual natural ability in a certain area? Are those natural abilities going to be inferior to the person who has their DNA spliced with other things because they have the means to do so?

Just seems to me like another way for power to remain in the hands of a few.

I see the possibility for cosmetic changes (eye color, skin color, hair color, height, etc.). But splicing DNA with animals would backfire. It would probably be illegal to give people abilities. Imagine someone with the strength of an ant but enhanced to match the body of a human. They'd be too strong.

JediXMan7

thats true, but when you think about it, we already have things equally harmful to people.

Guns for example, allow you to kill people. Yet we trust the population with it, and despite bad apples, normal folks dont go out shooting people on power trips.

I dont see how "superhuman" trains would be any different. Sure, your antman could lift up a car and throw it at someone, but why would they?

There will always be bad apples and, as with gun control, they would be unable to get gene modification due to the specilization involved. And, unlike with guns, you cant just walk into a pawn shop and be like "Hmmm I want laser vision!"

I don't know, I mean where will it end? At some point it'll start being who has the best DNA or firmware or software version so to speak. What happens to those that can't get it?

What happens to actual natural ability in a certain area? Are those natural abilities going to be inferior to the person who has their DNA spliced with other things because they have the means to do so?

Just seems to me like another way for power to remain in the hands of a few.

XturnalS

again, how would that be different from the way things are? Rich people get "jail out of free" cards, poor people dont. Rich people can afford a better diet, poor people cant.

if someone gets "brain upgrade v 1.0" for 2000 dollars, then next month "brain upgrade v 2.0" comes out for 10000 dollars, oh well.

No, the thought of genetic engineering makes me physically ill. It demonstrates a disrespect and disregard for the very process that gives birth to us.

[QUOTE="JediXMan7"]

I see the possibility for cosmetic changes (eye color, skin color, hair color, height, etc.). But splicing DNA with animals would backfire. It would probably be illegal to give people abilities. Imagine someone with the strength of an ant but enhanced to match the body of a human. They'd be too strong.

thats true, but when you think about it, we already have things equally harmful to people.

Guns for example, allow you to kill people. Yet we trust the population with it, and despite bad apples, normal folks dont go out shooting people on power trips.

I dont see how "superhuman" trains would be any different. Sure, your antman could lift up a car and throw it at someone, but why would they?

There will always be bad apples and, as with gun control, they would be unable to get gene modification due to the specilization involved. And, unlike with guns, you cant just walk into a pawn shop and be like "Hmmm I want laser vision!"

As a biotechnology major all I have to say is "give it 10 years". :P

EDIT: Actually genetic engineering already exists, but it's predominantly used to correct mutations that cause diseases. Considering we have ethics, I can't see anyone (except maybe secret government labs or something) working on superhero level gene splicing anytime soon.