Gene Tech : Scientists Experiment with Genetic Experiments Referred to as Extinction Technology
According to Wikipedia the term 'de-extinction' refers to resurrection biology, or species revivalism. Basically it can be defined as the process of creating an organism, which is or resembles an extinct species. It may refer to breeding a population of such organisms. As you could imagine, the idea of de-extinction comes hand in hand with a lot of controversy.
But just as de-extinction technology exists in this day, it turns out that genetic extinction technologies have been around for quite a while now as well 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 a 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 warranted, 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
De-Extinction - Wikipedia
Image Source:
The Guardian
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Genetic research is the source of worries as well of great hopes for the millions who suffer from various genetic conditions.
As always great advances in science can be used for negative purposes.
I'm not sure what is the solution to this other than trying to prevent development of weapons through international economic pressure.
But you can't stop science...
Agreed. At best we can try to direct it in a way that benefits rather than detracts from humanity... Perhaps Science was what was being referred to as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Getting a bit nutty with all the conspiracies though I suppose. Cheers.
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Can´t wait until they have isolated the"radical islam" gene. For this I would make an exception from the ban of using this technology.