Future Update: Genetic 'Extinction' Technologies Coming Soon!
When someone reads a headline like this, I have to wonder what is going through their mind. What went through my mind when I saw a similar headline was 'wait, like extinction of who eh?'
It turns out that genetic extinction technologies have been around for quite a while now and they have the potential to wipe out malaria carrying mosquitos or other pests.
However, there are potential consequences to using even basic extinction technologies on any species. With room to thrive another species will take its place. Clearly there are unintended consequences to messing with mother nature!
Furthermore, UN experts warn of possible military uses and unintended consequences with strengthen the case for widespread ban on genetic extinction technologies.
A US military agency is investing $100m in genetic extinction technologies that could wipe out malarial mosquitoes, invasive rodents or other species, emails released under freedom of information rules show.
Wouldn't we have to also consider the possibility when reading about government investment in this type of technology that they may be resarching other, more sinister applications. Imagine wiping out your enemy in one single attack, effectively targeting their DNA while keeping your own population safe from harm?
The documents suggest that the US’s secretive Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) has become the world’s largest funder of “gene drive” research and will raise tensions ahead of a UN expert committee meeting in Montreal beginning on Tuesday.
Need they say any more?
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is debating whether to impose a moratorium on the gene research next year and several southern countries fear a possible military application.
What is the UN waiting for? This is clearly reason to impose a moratorium immediately. Fear of military application is not only warrented it is almost unpreventable. But I also wonder if the UN isn't powerless to stop it with their 'moratoriums...'
It's true, the use of genetic extinction technologies in bioweapons is extremely worrying and should be major cause for concern, but fortunately most 'known' research has been published thus far with a focus entirely on pest control and eradication.
What do you think will result from this UN decision to ban genetic extinction technologies? Will countries continue to conduct underground research if it is banned? What line of defense could their possibly be for a 'gene-weapon?'
Interesting times we live in indeed!
Thanks for dropping by @techblogger
Source:
US military agency invests $100m in genetic extinction technologies - The Guardian
Image Source:
The Guardian
I think it will be a great move by UN to ban such lethal use of genetic extinction technologies.
Yes. It seems sad things have come to this but anything and everything will be researched and the military has its hands in almost every cookie jar imaginable.
Nobody is listening to the UN.
If you UN bans the technology, sure, some countries will still conduct underground research. The tech is good if used as described on mosquitoes and other rodents. But as you said:
For this reason, I will suggest UN should progress with banning the technology
Thanks for sharing, and indeed very troubling. As a former biologist I feel that application of such a technology will have unimagined consequences.
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