Anthropomorphic genetics
 "Lions are lazy, very lazy. However, never tell one that to its face, lest you be sliced like bacon." Location: NJ
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Given my background in biology and genetics, I can't help but notice the sometimes odd advances in genetic engineering these days. For instance, Glow cats There have also been experiments with chimeric genomes and ever-increasing knowledge of why the human brain is so advanced. Indeed, many of the geens involved have been surprising: cholesterol handling lipoprotein and other metabolic genes seem to play a very big role, as does a very important multi-functional gene beta-catenin, in which the human version greatly increases cerebral cortex size (though in a disorganized fashion, other transcription factors must also change to keep the proper symmetry). I think it's inevitable at this point that someone, somewhere is going to try to create a truly chimeric organism, incorporating more than just a few genes from humans, if for no other reason than gain infamous notoriety. Once all the genes for brain development are found, there's no other hindrance. For my part, I'll keep watching the developments as they come. I pity the poor creature if and when it's created. It will be made for all the wrong reasons and be targeted for death from its conception. I can only hope that the sceince community has learned from the South Korean stem cell scam that scietists are quite human in every regard and cannot be automatically assumed to possess altruistic goals, and that some experiments simply should never be done. |
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This is why I hold the very steadfast opinion that any research into animal-human hybrids is nothing short of monstrous -- morally indefensible.
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permalinkLocation: Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
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In the defense of such research though, I can see where there can be benefits. Not right now, but many years down the line. I mean, what about using this type of research to eventually take traits from other animals to cure sight or hearing disorders?
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I am talking about full hybrids, my boy.
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permalinkLocation: Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
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Well, in that case, I can see it this way. What if in the future, through such works, I could field such things with a company of infantry. Now what if I had pathfinders that could see in the dark without NVG? Or perhaps rangers that can hunt down enemy platoons using only smell and hearing? Is it ethical? Maybe not, but I am a fan of progression. While it would take a long time to be a good science, I would not doubt that fact that in the right hands, it can be used to a benefit.
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Once again, I am not talking about enhancements to human ability. I am talking about creating the sorts of hybrids that we see in Furry art.
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permalinkLocation: Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
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I know that, and I am speaking of fielding them. I do digress that I am no scientist. I'm simply a man with very unique ideals.
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permalinkI see what you're going for, but to truly benefit mankind what you'd be looking for is "peace treaty", not half-animal helpers. Well, a treaty and "population control".
-If someone walks up to you and says they are a pathological liar, would you believe them?
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permalinkLocation: Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
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Well, while humans being the fallible beasts we are, I don't foresee peace anytime soon. But at least I'm doing my part in the population control. *evil grin* Well, as much as I love hot topic debates such as these, and as much as I love playing devil's advocate, I must take my leave and spend the next 5 hours in the freezing cold wet woods learning "winter weather survival skills"... cause that'll be real useful when I'm deployed in the middle of a 120 degree desert.
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permalinkAgreed! I never said peace was *likely*, just the goal one might be looking for
Good luck with training, and just keep in mind that anything can happen out there in a warzone and you'll never know when your training might actually come in handy 
-If someone walks up to you and says they are a pathological liar, would you believe them?
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permalinkLocation: Philadelphia area, PA
And if we could, wouldn't that just lead to ingrained class differences in society? If you're born with these advanced abilities, it would be awfully easy for your government to declare that they've chosen your career for you, which is little better than slavery.
And whether you're born with these abilities or given them in later therapy, you could run into complications if you try to leave the work of soldiering in later life; not only could the government prove resistant to losing that investment, but you might have trouble functioning in a world so rife with smells and loud noises. I already know folks with chemical sensitivities that give them severe headaches, and noise, particularly in the city or at movies and many performances, can be pretty intense. And given the trouble we already have getting proper medical treatment for vets, i'm not convinced that our government would spring for reversal therapy.
Basically, I wouldn't want anyone to enter a line of work that they couldn't rethink later.
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permalinkLocation: New Brighton, MN, USA
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So, is our hatred of others merely just a part of our genetic code that could eventually be rewritten by scientists in the future?
Man is trying to take over everything in this world... some things just should not be done.
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That is delving into the age-old argument of "nature vs. nurture." I'd rather not see that argument taken up here!
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permalinkLocation: NJ
When I was young, I liked everyone and wanted to make the world a nice happy place full of flowers. I was optimistic and hopeful.
Then I worked in ground keeping at Great Adventure for 6 years...
Now I hate everyone and want to make the world a barren, lifeless rock.
Nurture rulz. ;D
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permalinkLocation: New Brighton, MN, USA
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I'll adhere to the Doctor's wishes, thank you.
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