First Man-Made Species
This would be of special interest to those who believe that humans are a hybrid species created by aliens (not me…).
Moreno genetically modified the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster so that this new species Drosophila synthetica cannot reproduce with the naturally occurring species of fruit fly. Drosophila synthetica also has smaller, lighter eyes and the wing veins have a different structure than the natural species.
http://www.examiner.com/article/first-man-made-species-revealed
Hybrid animals can be created through natural breeding, but this is the first time an entirely new species has been created by man – with the definition of species meaning it can only reproduce with its own. And it is potentially good news, because whichever traits are bio-engineered will (hopefully) be impossible to transfer to the originating species.
Where could this lead?
Presumably we will see new species of livestock – I reckon chickens will be first. But in the long term you’s expect that someone, somewhere, will try to improve humans. I don’t like the idea one bit, but would it be unethical?
Hey, been a follower of your blog but this is really the first time i comment ==
anyhow, bout this creating of whole new species, you pointed that “Where could this lead?”
well i’m not too sure how gaming are you, but in games. especially those originated from Japan, have this whole new species of humans, named Bioroids. Yes, genetically modified, with far more superiors traits than the original humans; let’s just say they are not really friendly after the modification since most are modified to be less emotional (yeah yeah those weaklings emotional stuffs that movies always said).
well, perhaps that’s one of the futures eh?
This makes me incredibly angry. just because we CAN do a thing, does not mean we should. look at what happened when they introduced that asian fish into the river, (can’t remember where) now when you drive your boat on the river the darn things are jumping into the boat and even injuring people. they will not get rid of this mess anytime soon. WE NEED TO THINK BEFORE WE JUMP. I learned that one as a child.
Welcome Watson,
Therein lies the problem. Scientists find it hard to restrain themselves – we’d possibly have cloned humans if it was legal. And the idea of a super-human is so exciting… Frankenstein’s Monster was written a long time ago – evidence that the desire is certainly there.
Robert & Ladyd904:
As Robert said, “Scientists find it hard to restrain themselves” yeah, i have to admit being a scientist really has some problems whenever dealing with knowledge vs ethics. Frequently, we find ourselves struggling with should or should not. and there is forever not a concrete answer. Just like the case of human cloning, the possible future from it is just so overwhelming that sometimes i would actually imagine what will happen if it is a go?
Ethics is really a recent addition to science , lot of stuff as been done which was unethical and un human (by today’s standard), but this is the way science will progress. Just imagine introduction of a new drug , it has to be tested on humans (and animals which is also unethical in some way) there is no other way (Here I imply that persons should know that they are under test). Cloning of humans I somehow feel that it is already being done somewhere secretly.