Genetically engineered sperm

[Kowani]

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-sho ... -using-cri

Humanity has come a very long way since we were hunter gatherers in Africa. The ability to manipulate the very code of life itself will remain one of our greatest achievements, I believe, if not for the ethics, in what it represents. And here, we have scientists manipulating (or trying to) the DNA of sperm, in this case to reduce the risk of cancer.

So, NSG-is this good or bad? Is this ethical? And genetic engineering as a whole-What should be done?

As should be obvious if you know me, I am all for this. Genetic engineering is a grand tool in the improvement of humanity, and it has the potential to aid so many people.

[Xmara]

As long as it’s only used for ethical purposes such as reducing cancer risk or correcting potentially fatal genetic defects, I’m fine.

[Ravennog]

In my opinion, this seems like a scientific miracle. Cancer is one of our biggest problems right now, and we should work together on reducing our risks of getting cancer, one step at a time.

[Ifreann]

Genetically engineering people to have less cancer is good, but when do we genetically engineer people to have drug glands in their brains that they can consciously control?

[Grenartia]

I mean, as long as its not sterilizing people who don't want to be sterilized, and is only eliminating objectively detrimental genetic traits, I see no harm. So, yeah, that one gene that only increases cancer risk can be gotten rid of, but I'd say its unethical to, say, try to make a gene (or sequence of genes) that makes someone physically stronger. I'm also against removing, say, the traits responsible for sickle cell disease, since having one copy of that gene boosts one's resistance to malaria.

[Neanderthaland]

Yeah, cancer is bad. Let's do this thing.

[Wallenburg]

Very cool. Yeah, science!

[Galloism]

Genetically engineering people to have less cancer is good, but when do we genetically engineer people to have drug glands in their brains that they can consciously control?

Get this man a desk.

[The Krogan]

Pffft, call me when they start making hybrid animal people, then we'll have something to talk about.

[Victorious Decepticons]

The closer to getting God Mode on IRL we can get, the better. Anti-cancer recoding is the easiest thing to get even the most stupidly prudish "ethicists" on board, but IMO humanity is insane and morally wrong if it doesn't go ball-out for true superhuman status as soon as that is possible. I'm just itching for the day that adults can be successfully recoded too, so I can not only get rid of my physical glitches, but also gain Olympian-level genes or better, and completely delete age-related decline (and the resulting death) on top of that.

[Pacomia]

Sure, getting rid of diseases is good, but inevitably this is going to lead to some form of eugenics.

[Page]

In my view, the only legitimate ethical concern is the possibility of unintended consequences, that the kids born from this will be afflicted with some condition that will negatively affect their quality of life. Unfortunately, with this kind of science still in its infancy, that's a real concern. But if they can make sure that no detrimental conditions are passed down because of the genetic modification, then there's not a problem.

[Risastorstein]

Genetically engineering people to have less cancer is good, but when do we genetically engineer people to have drug glands in their brains that they can consciously control?

Iain Banks, leave that computer alone, you're allegedly dead, don't ruin your cover

[Risastorstein]

Pffft, call me when they start making hybrid animal people, then we'll have something to talk about.

Can we avoid the furry timeline, please?

[Grenartia]

Sure, getting rid of diseases is good, but inevitably this is going to lead to some form of eugenics.

That's my biggest fear from this. Superior ability breeds superior ambition, and not in a good way. No 'genetically superior' 'master race' on my watch.

[Kowani]

In my view, the only legitimate ethical concern is the possibility of unintended consequences, that the kids born from this will be afflicted with some condition that will negatively affect their quality of life. Unfortunately, with this kind of science still in its infancy, that's a real concern. But if they can make sure that no detrimental conditions are passed down because of the genetic modification, then there's not a problem.

CRISPR is (depending on where you start) a decade old or 40 years old.

[Dooom35796821595]

Sure, getting rid of diseases is good, but inevitably this is going to lead to some form of eugenics.

That's my biggest fear from this. Superior ability breeds superior ambition, and not in a good way. No 'genetically superior' 'master race' on my watch.

Yeah, we’ve already had that without genetic engineering, no reason to hold back science because of Star Trek.

[Risastorstein]

Yeah, we’ve already had that without genetic engineering, no reason to hold back science because of Star Trek.

That's like refusing modern medecine and technology because they create and reinforce some inequalities.

[LiberNovusAmericae]

Sure, getting rid of diseases is good, but inevitably this is going to lead to some form of eugenics.

GATTACA

[Grenartia]

That's my biggest fear from this. Superior ability breeds superior ambition, and not in a good way. No 'genetically superior' 'master race' on my watch.

Yeah, we’ve already had that without genetic engineering,

There were people who thought they had it, but considering the Third Reich rose and fell before the discovery of DNA, much less the mapping of the human genome, they really didn't.

However, that's no reason to give them an excuse to start up again.

no reason to hold back science because of Star Trek.

To be fair, its less "becuz Trek" and more "Trek just so happened to hit on a piece of wisdom that holds true".

[Dooom35796821595]

Yeah, we’ve already had that without genetic engineering,

There were people who thought they had it, but considering the Third Reich rose and fell before the discovery of DNA, much less the mapping of the human genome, they really didn't.

However, that's no reason to give them an excuse to start up again.

no reason to hold back science because of Star Trek.

To be fair, its less "becuz Trek" and more "Trek just so happened to hit on a piece of wisdom that holds true".

Exactly, they didn’t need DNA but they still called themselves the superior master race, and there were others before and after who thought the same. Modifying genetics isn’t going to magically create super intelligent super soldiers, it’ll just slowly raise the base line.

[The Krogan]

Pffft, call me when they start making hybrid animal people, then we'll have something to talk about.

Can we avoid the furry timeline, please?

Best to get the darkest timeline over with first so we can enjoy the others later.

[Shamhnan Insir]

That's my biggest fear from this. Superior ability breeds superior ambition, and not in a good way. No 'genetically superior' 'master race' on my watch.

Yeah, we’ve already had that without genetic engineering, no reason to hold back science because of Star Trek.

Cancer is a real bastard, and research into treatments and diagnoses should rightly be well funded.
However as Gren discusses eugenics, this is really the reason I am against genetic engineering of humans. Even with the greatest ethical checks and controls on the process, there will be at least one who will bend for payment from someone who wants their children to have a higher chance of greater IQ, or athletic ability, or blue eyes etc. Then it becomes a dark situation of botched jobs where children are born damaged and deranged all because mummy and daddy got greedy and wanted their vision of perfection.

As a species we have removed ourselves from so many of the natural selection factors that otherwise would effect our evolutionary pathway and that shapes us into what we are now. This is one step too far.

[Grenartia]

There were people who thought they had it, but considering the Third Reich rose and fell before the discovery of DNA, much less the mapping of the human genome, they really didn't.

However, that's no reason to give them an excuse to start up again.



To be fair, its less "becuz Trek" and more "Trek just so happened to hit on a piece of wisdom that holds true".

Exactly, they didn’t need DNA but they still called themselves the superior master race, and there were others before and after who thought the same.

Alright, we have people who already think there are superior races on the basis of some bullshit myth about IQ. What do you think will happen when people from certain races will start becoming, on average, stronger, smarter, healthier, etc. than the others? And that will inevitably happen, for reasons explained below.

Modifying genetics isn’t going to magically create super intelligent super soldiers, it’ll just slowly raise the base line.

Except, that "base line" won't actually be a "base line". It will reflect the socioeconomics of the societies that allow it. Including the racial disparities of that society.

Do you honestly think the availability of genetic improvements won't be tied to how rich someone is? Because short of a massive revolution before it becomes greenlit, it will be. And the richest (who are also the whitest) will inevitably get dibs on it, and lock out everyone else they possibly can from getting it, to maintain their advantages.

[Earthbound Immortal Squad]

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/08/22/746321083/scientists-attempt-controversial-experiment-to-edit-dna-in-human-sperm-using-cri

Humanity has come a very long way since we were hunter gatherers in Africa. The ability to manipulate the very code of life itself will remain one of our greatest achievements, I believe, if not for the ethics, in what it represents. And here, we have scientists manipulating (or trying to) the DNA of sperm, in this case to reduce the risk of cancer.

So, NSG-is this good or bad? Is this ethical? And genetic engineering as a whole-What should be done?

As should be obvious if you know me, I am all for this. Genetic engineering is a grand tool in the improvement of humanity, and it has the potential to aid so many people.

If this was used responsibly then great, but most of the humans with power are not responsible and I'm not saying that as a reference to one person it is most of them.