View Full Version : Scientists Planning to Make New Form of Life
Two genetic scientists are planning on creating a new life form...albeit a single celled one, and they intend to hamstring it so that if it gets out it dies. This is probably a next step, but I have huge issues with this. We're currently trying to disarm a country that we believe is culturing some naturally occuring nasties. How do you put the lid back on the bottle if this bit of thechno wizardry gets out? Story Here. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17496-2002Nov20.html)
ethics
11-21-2002, 01:49 AM
I agree Coot, but I don't think anyone can stop this. The genie has been let out of the bottle.
ShinyTop
11-21-2002, 01:51 AM
I agree Leon, so if the genie will be out of the bottle I prefer to be optimistic about the boon to fighting disease this can become.
ethics
11-21-2002, 01:52 AM
Originally posted by ShinyTop
I agree Leon, so if the genie will be out of the bottle I prefer to be optimistic about the boon to fighting disease this can become.
Absolutely, I am TRYING to be also. I just don't feel we are ready for this. Or are we?
ShinyTop
11-21-2002, 01:55 AM
Frankly it does not matter, it will be done. I would rather it be done by American scientists with us looking over their sholder than by others. I am very afraid of what the others will develop with the number of madmen in this world.
mikeky
11-21-2002, 11:03 AM
I think the potential benefits are intriguing enough to pursue. But I also hope that the information developed in controlled. Maybe a new national security designation, similar to that required for DOD or DOE, is in order for this type of research.
immortal one
11-21-2002, 11:32 AM
This could be a great step forward. We'll see.
Sharondippity
11-21-2002, 08:29 PM
It's exciting and terrifying stuff. Thanks for posting the link.
In the not too distant future where a savvy fourteen year old
can attach his new 3D genetic sequencer to his PC (my, won't
that term sound quaint then) and create just about anything he
wants, will mankind be approaching becoming God?
Maybe, that sounds far fetched but at the rate things are advancing,
we will be able to create new life from nothing very soon.
Who watches these people?
Shiny brought up an important point but I question if even we could
keep this research in "Western Hands" it is only a matter of time before
somebody somewhere gets the knowledge and runs with it.
We have been unable to keep technological advancements out of our
adversaries hands before. Even the nuclear program (probably our best
kept secret ever)<small> (at least, I am aware of)</small> leaked out very quickly.
I believe the question is whether human beings
have matured as much as they have advanced?
Techie2000
11-22-2002, 05:11 PM
Our best kept secret ever is the one nobody knows about...;)
Techie2000 who sleeps with his swiss army knife an arm lengths away just in case
Pyrion
11-22-2002, 06:24 PM
And always donning a tinfoil hat?