Hello all,
Now as per my usual format I like to state my views for the record so people do not become confused. I fully support genetic manipulation, GMO's to a
CERTAIN extent and vaccines, this will all make sense later in my post. Keep this in mind.
GMO's
Many if not all of you know what a GMO is for those of you who don't its a Genetically Modified Organism. This is not a NEW thing. Technically
selective breeding which has been used for centuries is GMO since you are selecting a mate and thus getting the desired out come. Most of us know
these as high demand foods and are evil, but we have been doing this for a long time. But, is this one means to an end?
There are many pro's to GMO's. Save global hunger, produce higher crop yields, stronger crops, in some cases more nutritional for example
Golden Rice. Though this is a wiki page I don't have a scanner to upload my textbooks definition,
also its illegal. Anyways this is the very good side. Don't worry GMO haters I'll get to the con's I have a larger picture so stick with me on
this.
Tidbit on GMO's
The Human Genome and Genetics
We are in an age of knowledge, we can read the human genome. This has lead to medical advances, uses in cold cases to compare DNA. This technology may
even be able to help repair damaged DNA, spot disease so that people can help prevent them from being triggered, and can even lead to cloning and
being able to grow organs for transplants.
Human Genome Project
Human Genome Project Govt. Site
Vaccines and viruses
Now what does this all have to do with the end of the human race?
Well If we aren't careful we could loose focus and cause our own destruction with our creations. There are two types of research, Basic: looking for
just an answer to a question, and Applied: Looking for an answer to solve a problem. Similar right? Nope, the scientist who split the atom were not
looking for a bomb but rather they were looking for answers. It was others who saw the potential for a weapon.
Is our curiosity what will kill the human? We know so much about genetics and manipulating genetics that we think we can defeat anything that comes
our way. Well what if the genes we are selecting for end up causing us to be destroyed. We look for bigger and stronger but sometimes its the little
things that get you.
Will we start Genetically modifying humans? If we all aim for the "perfect genes" we will no longer have genetic variance, something very crucial to
the survival of the species. Cheetahs have very little genetic differences due to low populations. They essentially become an easy target for a virus
to attack and wipe out. Not to mention our vaccines are possibly leading to the rise in deadlier viruses.
So I ask you this Is our science moving too fast for us to keep up? Or can we beat mother natures wrath? Is it worth the risk?
Well I am off to bed and can't wait to see what all you smart ATSer's think Good night and happy conspiracy hunting!
Xiamara