Are scientists reaching out to build the perfect human being? Such person could ever exist?
Almost on a daily basis, one hears words such as genetics, genomics, CRISPR, DNA dicing and so on. It looks as if there is a race towards the goal of finding the largest amount of explanation or reason on why we are and at same trying to better or change that information that is stored in every living organism to, as they say, improve (i.e. no more diseases - will humans never feel sadness or human pain for others again?). In any case latest articles refer to intelligence, and as such I wonder if my next buddy will be the IQ +150 manufactured and fully made in the USA.
As of today, scientists have made advances in understanding the genetics of intelligence. Using data of more than 78,000 individuals with information on DNA genotypes and intelligence scores, the team discovered novel genes and biological routes for intelligence.
These same scientists say intelligence is one of the most investigated traits in humans and higher intelligence is associated with important economic and health-related life outcomes. The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, uncovered 52 genes for intelligence, of which 40 were completely new discoveries. Most of these genes are predominantly expressed in brain tissue. So it appears, they say, the genes detected are involved in the regulation of cell development, and are specifically important overall proper formation of brain components and as such these findings provide clear leads towards the "secrets" of the biological mechanisms of intelligence.
So whatever it comes out to be, I might get out and buy of the intelligence liquid -cells and enhance my brain.
I our own way we are all perfect already
I have to agree. We are already perfect. A lot of us just haven't realized or accepted our full potential. In a way, it's like we are so powerful we have to make things harder than they really are. All we have to do is open our eyes to it.
You are damn right
In a way yes we are perfect for the conditions under which we live today; nevertheless what I have read about is that they (the smart people) are trying to be able to learn how to modify genes so that when human beings travel to other planets then they will be able to change this Genetics needed for them to be prepared for those interplanetary travels. In short I think that we are perfect for the living conditions under which we are at that point in time. Thanks for your reply.
Was there any clear evidence of racially or sexually linked genes? I always find these of intrigue when talking about intelligence linked genes. Cool read! Upvoted and followed, check out my blog for science life and philosophy :)
As I have read something about scientists to be able to detect some type of notes in the hypothalamus structure in which the size of these in there are somehow related to the sex or sexual orientation of the person; and all this is determined by the information which comes about in the DNA of each and every one of us. Anyway an issue which is way out of my full understanding but one that is very interesting for which I am sure in the future there is much talk and debate to come about.
Txs for your reply. Rgds.
@indepthstory the thing I have concern about especially with CRISPR is whether or not it will be made available to the masses. The reading I've done on CRISPR seems to indicate that the technology is going to be very inexpensive so will everyone have their own table top DNA splicer? Ethical implications?
SDG
And that idea in principle will keep the continuous separation between humans, because I am better than you, I have more than you, etc etc. The implications of such technology I think nowadays escapes our imagination. Right now it is just science fiction in beta mode; still from other articles what I find fascinating is the possibility that humans will be able to travel to other worlds far far away with a minimum of body troubles as they will be modified or engineered as per new world requirements. Just a lot of fun coming up.
Cheers
@indepthstory