Next evolution: genetically modified humans

As human technology advances, so does the potential to develop genetically modified humans. Genetically engineered human beings has been a topic of debate in our society for years, and it’s now becoming more than just a theoretical discussion. With the advent of gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, scientists are beginning to explore the possibilities of altering human DNA and creating genetically modified individuals with enhanced traits. The implications of this research could be far-reaching and potentially beneficial, but ethical questions must be considered before any human genetic modifications are attempted. Find out what human genetic modification is, how it could affect health outcomes, its ethical considerations, and public concerns about its use.

What is human genetic modification and how does it work

Human genetic modification is the process of altering human DNA to produce genetically modified human beings with desirable traits. It involves the use of gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, which allow scientists to precisely identify, target, and modify specific sections of a person’s genome. This technology could be used to change an individual’s physical or intellectual characteristics, as well as to correct genetic diseases.

Gene editing techniques have been used successfully, although controversially, in human embryos and animal models, but human clinical trials are still a long way off. Scientists must consider the potential risks and ethical implications of human genetic modification before pursuing clinical trials involving human beings.

The science behind genetically modifying humans

The human genome is made up of billions of base pairs, which are the building blocks of DNA. Scientists can use gene editing techniques to target and modify specific sections of a person’s genome in order to achieve desired effects.

CRISPR-Cas9 is one such technique that has been widely used in human genetic research. It involves using an enzyme (Cas9) to cut sections of DNA and replace them with new genetic material. By targeting specific sections of the human genome, scientists can alter human traits and characteristics.

Potential benefits of human genetic modification

There are a number of potential benefits associated with human genetic modification that could improve human health outcomes, such as reducing or eliminating diseases caused by genetic mutations. Additionally, certain traits can be enhanced through gene editing techniques and this could potentially open up new possibilities for human evolution.

Some other benefits include :

• The potential to create human organs for transplantation purposes
• The potential to increase human life span by reducing the effects of aging
• The potential to develop new treatments and therapies for diseases that are currently incurable
• The potential to reduce human suffering caused by genetic diseases

Most scientists agree that human genetic modification should only be used to prevent or treat genetic diseases. In these cases, human genetic modification could be used to correct faulty genes in humans, allowing them to lead healthier lives.

In addition, gene editing techniques could potentially be used to engineer human embryos with enhanced traits such as increased intelligence, stronger bodies and improved immunity against disease. This could open up new possibilities for human evolution, allowing people to have increased control over their genetic makeup.

Have there been successful gene therapy treatments so far?

Although gene therapy has achieved some success in treating genetic disorders, it is still in its early stages and the long-term effects of human genetic modification have yet to be fully explored. With further advances in gene editing technology, human gene therapy may one day become more commonplace and will likely offer a variety of new therapeutic possibilities.

Examples of successful gene therapy treatments for diseases using gene modification techniques include the use of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gene therapy, treatment for severe combined immune deficiency, and cystic fibrosis. More recently, human gene modification has been used to treat diseases such as sickle cell anemia, beta thalassemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and leukemia.

In terms of human health, gene modification can be used to treat inherited or acquired diseases by introducing new genes into human cells. It may also be used to change the function of existing genes, which could potentially lead to the development of treatments and cures for a wide range of diseases. Furthermore, human genetic engineering can be used in medical research to study the human genome and discover new treatments for diseases.

Health risks and concerns surrounding human genetic engineering

No human genetic modification technique is without risks and concerns. Some of the potential health risks associated with human gene editing include:

• Off-target effects, where a gene editing technique may cause unexpected changes to the genome.
• Unforeseen consequences, where a gene alteration may lead to unknown side effects.
• Increased risk of cancer, as human gene editing may lead to the production of cancerous cells.
• Risk of creating “designer” babies, where human genetic modification is used to create children with desirable traits.

Exploring the ethical implications of genetically modified humans

Human genetic modification raises a number of ethical questions about human autonomy and the potential for “designer” babies. It is important to consider whether human genetic modifications would be used in an equitable way, or if certain groups could be excluded from access to gene editing treatments. Additionally, there is a potential for human genetic modifications to go beyond simply treating diseases, and potentially create “superhumans” with enhanced traits that give them an advantage over the rest of society. These issues must be carefully considered before human clinical trials can proceed.

Public concerns on the use of human gene modification technology

Despite the potential benefits of human genetic modification, there is much public concern over its use. This is largely due to a lack of knowledge about the technology and its potential implications for human health and autonomy. Therefore, it is important that the public be provided with clear information on human genetic modification so they can make informed decisions about the technology.

Companies working on developing human gene modification technology

• Editas Medicine: A biotechnology company that specializes in human gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
• Crispr Therapeutics: A biopharmaceutical company working on treatments for genetic diseases through human gene editing.
• Intellia Therapeutics: A biopharmaceutical company focused on developing human gene therapies for serious diseases.
• Sangamo Therapeutics: A biopharmaceutical company developing human gene therapies for a variety of diseases.
• Calyxt: A biotechnology company focused on using human gene editing to develop healthier food products.
• Caribou Biosciences: A biotechnology company dedicated to human gene editing research, CRISPR technologies and allogenic cell therapies for oncology
• eGenesis Inc.: A biotech company that is developing human gene editing treatments for organ transplantation.
• Synthego Corporation: A biotechnology company that designs, manufactures, and sells human gene editing products.

Genetically engineered humans in science fiction

Finally, it is important to consider the implications of human genetic modification in science fiction and popular culture. Movies such as Gattaca and Blade Runner have explored human genetic engineering from different angles, including its potential use for discrimination or persecution. While these are fictional scenarios, they can help to illustrate some of the ethical considerations surrounding human gene modification and open up public dialogue on the subject.

Genetically engineered humans in science fiction books:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
• Neuromancer by William Gibson
• The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi
• Parasite by Mira Grant
• Echopraxia by Peter Watts
• Diaspora by Greg Egan.

Science fiction Films about genetically altered humans:

• Blade Runner (1982)
• Gattaca (1997)
• The Island (2005)
• Surrogates (2009)
• Splice (2009)
• Elysium (2013).

Sci-Fi TV-Series featuring genetically modified humans:

• Battlestar Galactica (2004)
• Caprica (2009)
• Orphan Black (2013)
• Westworld (2016)

Overall thoughts and conclusions

Human genetic modification is a potentially powerful technology that could be used to treat human diseases, as well as enhance human traits. However, its use raises important ethical and safety concerns that must be addressed before human clinical trials can proceed. Additionally, it is important for the public to be adequately informed about human genetic modification so they can make informed decisions about the technology.

Overall, genetically modified humans is a complex and controversial topic that has far-reaching implications for human health and society. As such, it is important to continue exploring the potential risks and benefits of human gene modification through research, ethical discussions, and public engagement. With further advances in gene editing technology, human genetic modification may one day become a reality and it is important to be prepared for the implications of this technology.