The world is a crazy place and it keeps becoming more like those science fiction movies from when I was little!
Last week Britain gave approval for scientists to edit genes of human embryos for research, which means, ultimately, they could manipulate an embryo to the point of creating a “designer baby” as it’s been dubbed.
Although the work being carried out is all in the name of science and for research purposes only, it’s hard for me to think about the applications of that research in the future. Granted certain gene mutations can cause serious health problems and altering them in the embryo can ensure these gene mutations don’t occur.
However, gene mutations have also led to red hair and blue eyes, as well as freckles… So although it’s just in the research stages currently and is focused on preventing debilitating conditions or serious genetic health conditions, does the endgame mean you could completely alter and create a “designer baby” in the future?
It used to sound fictitious, but with science evolving and people willing to pay top dollar for the oddest things these days, does this mean it’s a plausibility in the future to create “designer babies?”
Although I don’t remember a movie about “designer babies” I do remember one about clones called “The Island.” The very rich had themselves cloned and if a serious health issue arose the clone would be killed. If the rich eccentric had a heart problem, they had a perfect organ donor match, etc…
Yes, science fiction, but gene manipulation seems like it would be along the same lines. Having a baby, well do you want it to have blue eyes, black hair, be tall, have perfect vision? What happens when we start playing with these types of things?
Although not done to a person, gene manipulation in that dinosaur from Jurassic World definitely didn’t work out for anyone. Again, I know I’m referring to a science fiction movie, but at the same time how do you know what to expect when people start playing with gene manipulation? The only compass we have are science fiction movies and novels because at one time that’s all this was, science fiction and a person’s imagination could take it in any direction it wanted.
Is it worrisome, I think a little, but at the same time if it can prevent certain genetic mutations that cause lifelong problems then shouldn’t we try to help each other?
I guess we’ll just have to see how this evolves and develops over the years, and I’m sure there’s someone out there developing a horror movie about creating a “designer baby,” which is coming out in the near future.
