Viral origin of life

[tysovka]

Yesterday I saw a very interesting program about viruses. Many new and unexpected things were recently discovered. A new theory that gains popularity amongst scientist is that the simple cell-based life forms were originated from a virus. This theory got a huge boost when a very old virus was discovered that could have potentially replicated on its

Comments

[tysovka]

I was really fascinated by the second article. Not only those researchers were able to pinpoint exact processes responsible for a very particular trait in human/animal behavior, they were also able to create a harmless virus to target those specific genes and almost instantly dramatically change that behavior. The first human application that comes to my mind is changing behavior of violent offenders - no more prisons! OK, OK, here it comes - it's unethical to "play G-d," to "design" humans. However, it is already being done. One example is the use of embryo screening, called preimplantation genetic diagnosis: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=5275445&page=1. Would you turn it down?

[inanitas]

it's different though. you are just get rid of those babies. modifying personality you are making new creatures.

[tysovka]

you don't just get rid of those babies? (do you?) anyway, what I mean is that human genetic engineering is already in use and most likely will only get more prevalent.

[inanitas]

parents are offered abortion as one of the options if child is found to have genetic abnormalities...

i just doubt that "personality" modification can ever become "mainstream" there are so many ethics committees and people are so scared of "big brother", that even though it might be technically possible nobody will do it..... of course, 3rd world countries, is a different story.

[tysovka]

I think it will get to that point. And it won't stop with personality - they'll be able to engineer healthier, smarter people. Basically tailored to different job types. Take for example soldiers. You can make them stronger and faster and for the time of active combat mission more aggressive.

[inanitas]

very anti-utopian outlook :-) ...but i think we've been moving more in liberal/human rights direction....just look at the election. i don't think we'll ever be allowed to experiment on humans that way. on top of this, there is so much public fear about these technologies.

the argument can definitely be made for making "healthier" people, but i think it would be hard to convince scientists/doctors for making modifications job-specific. tipa programistov s malenkimi nozhkami i bolshimi glazkami :-)

[tysovka]

human rights... human rights change when you are faced with a chance to genetically modify a fetus so it won't suffer from any hereditary diseases.

[inanitas]

yeah, but can you really say that there is something wrong with that?