Chimera

In a move reminiscent of H.G. Wells Time Machine, Scientists recently announced that they have created a sheep that has 15% human cells and 85% sheep cells. See this Daily Mail article. This no doubt increases the debate on the ethics of genetic manipulation.  Australian Artist, Patricia Piccinini’s “We Are Family, Venice” Art Exhibit Some of that applications of Genetics could be used to:

1. Merge human DNA with animal DNA, creating “chimeras,” and effectively blurring the lines between human and animal.
2. Enhance, e.g., plant or animal performance or resistance to disease by altering plant or animal DNA.
3. Enhance, e.g., human performance or resistance to disease by altering human DNA.
4. Print, or copy, human organs, which seems to be the current focus.
5. Create a non-human life form comprised of radically distinct DNA from that of humans, effectively splitting up the human race (See article, Genetic Upper Class: Could the Human Race Split? – Live Science …from the article Two Human Species In 100,000 Years? Stick With Wells – Technovelgy.)

 This life form could be more, or less, advanced than humans. It is important to note that it is theoretically possible for humans to create a race of beings more advanced than themselves.

It is also important to note the double-edged sword of genetics. On the one hand, it has the potential to radically extend human longevity (which creates a whole new set of issues), but on the other hand it can create a genetic ‘time bomb’ that would throw off the natural balance and order of life on earth and could threaten the existence of the human race.