Gene Mapping

[x velo x]

Well, me and my buddy were sitting out of gym class today, and somehow we got into the discussion of the human gene mapping. Only about 3% of all genes have been mapped so far, or, so the government says. We got to the point of thinking that if the government ever does/has mapped out the ENTIRE human geneome system, then they could do things like, alter peoples genes to become something else. Imagine being able to change your genes so that you don't inherit a disease like Alzheimer's or cancer. But then again, the government could also use genes to change people for the worse. Like, making everyone almost the same, with barely any personal identity. It's pretty freaky if you think about it. Anyways, I would elaborate more, but I'm too lazy right now. Talk amongst yourselves.

[tsugomaru]

Edit : Haha silly mistake.

But yes, in a sense, the government could do everything you said. That is why people have been pushing for gene privacy. You need to watch GATTACA because that gives in my opinion, an accurate view of a future like this. Babies can be hand picked and pre-designed toward a parent's liking. The rejects cannot chase their dreams as the are not superior enough to do so and must live their life as janitors.

~Tsugomaru

[talisman]

knowing the human genome and knowing the gene map are completely different things... one is knowing the code, the other is knowing what it does. And we are nowhere near knowing how it does everything that it does.

[slipstrike0159]

Reminds me of the popular anime show Gundam Seed... Yes it would be worse to make everyone the same but if you could stop uncurable diseases wouldnt you? Besides, something like that would be extremely expensive and only the very rich could do such a thing. Point is, if you could do that sort of thing you couldnt necessarily do it to everyone thus creating the "only the rich survive" idea.

[Hr2]

Exactly for what reason would the government make everyone the same? The very differences in people is what makes them unique and productive.

[x velo x]

Originally Posted by Hr2

Exactly for what reason would the government make everyone the same? The very differences in people is what makes them unique and productive.

Yes, but it's also the same thing that makes some people weak, and defenseless, screw-overs, and criminals.

[Reach]

When we can eventually manipulate genes to better people, it will be a very good thing. Obviously it will be highly regulated, yet there will still be problems. But as I see it, nothing is free of problems.

I'm more personally interested in downloading information into the brain or maybe artificial brain enhancements personally XD

[x velo x]

Well, with gene altering, you COULD change the brain.