I'm not a scientist, so I'm not totally sure about this, but if we start mixing genes and replacing human organs with ones grown in animals, wouldn't that form a shortcut for animal specific diseases to transform into human diseases and spread? Just look at the bird flu, if it was able to mutate into the form that is able to spread between humans, I don't think the world would be in a very good state right now. In fact, half of the population probably would have died.
Whilst the concerns about transforming viruses and diseases are certainly valid. Your example of bird flu shows that it happens regardless of whether we assist it or not. Scientists are naturally concerned that bird flu will mutate and if it does it is far more likely to happen in the complete abscence of our intervention.
Similar is tru for things like stem cell research. The potential benefits seem to greatly out weigh the risks at this time. Maybe we dont fully understand the risks, but neither did we when it came to atomic energy.
Thats exactly what Im saying about pandoras box. You have 2 choices, open it or dont open it. To my mind, not opening it is unthinkable so just rip the lid off and dive in.
Since the first invention there has been a tug of war between ludites and technophiles. One thing is for certain if the moralists and technophobes had their way throughout the ages we would still be wearing bear skins and clubbing our dinner to death.
There will always be a handfull of peple who want thier values to be everyone values, but fortunately they remain a vocal minority and progress generally wins through eventually.
+-+-+-+-+-+ "MMOs, for people that like think chatting is like a skill or something, rotflol" http://purepwnage.com -+-+-+-+-+-+ "Far away across the field, the tolling of the iron bell, calls the faithful to their knees. To hear the softly spoken magic spell" Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon
I'm not a scientist, so I'm not totally sure about this, but if we start mixing genes and replacing human organs with ones grown in animals, wouldn't that form a shortcut for animal specific diseases to transform into human diseases and spread? Just look at the bird flu, if it was able to mutate into the form that is able to spread between humans, I don't think the world would be in a very good state right now. In fact, half of the population probably would have died.
No more risk than if you eat uncooked beef. The virus would have to mutate to become a danger for human, and being close to human organs probably wouldnt increase the chance for mutation. Virii mutating to affect a new species is pretty rare. Besides, they arent going to give you organs without testing them first, and they arent going to let a population of these animals get infected with a virus anyway... and I imagine that you arent going to be leaving the hospital for awhile anyway where you could transmit it to lots of people. I only have high school Biology and 2 semesters of college Biology, and bio isnt really my thing... but I'm pretty sure you wouldnt have anything to worry about.
well it's a great idea-I hope it isn't made illegal like that time the president banned stem cell resaerch
I'm sure it will be. Look how quickly people look to the government to take care of everything now.
It's my contention that we don't really have to cross-breed sheep with humans. We're already naturally evolving into government led sheeple with no help at all.
Well, the ban on stem cell research isnt going to last for a number of reasons. 1st, the states have jurisdiction on this matter (no where in the Constitution does it say "The federal government will have the power to regulate what scientists do with embryos) and if history is any indication... what California does gets picked up by the rest of the states after awhile. 2nd, stem cell research is very popular with either 2/3 or 3/4 (I dont remember which... sorry) of the American population being for it... even the Reagan family and once we have a non-Christian fundamentalist in the White House stem cell funding will be easy to procure. 3rd, if we want to remain competitive, we need to develop all these new technologies. 4th they found a way to extract stem cells from embryos without destroying the embryo... so quite frankly pro-Lifers who are against stem cell research that doesnt destroy the embryo are really advocating killing those who would benefit from stem cell research.
Comments
I wouldn't go so far as to call this a step in human evolution but I would say that it's a big step in our technological evolution.
In another 20 years or so we will begin to modify our genetic make-up to significantly enhance our mental, physical, and emotional performance.
[Holds Up Hand] Ill take 1 human hybrid kidney pls].
Who knows one day organ transplanting may become a simple op like having a kidney stone removed.
Whilst the concerns about transforming viruses and diseases are certainly valid. Your example of bird flu shows that it happens regardless of whether we assist it or not. Scientists are naturally concerned that bird flu will mutate and if it does it is far more likely to happen in the complete abscence of our intervention.
Similar is tru for things like stem cell research. The potential benefits seem to greatly out weigh the risks at this time. Maybe we dont fully understand the risks, but neither did we when it came to atomic energy.
Thats exactly what Im saying about pandoras box. You have 2 choices, open it or dont open it. To my mind, not opening it is unthinkable so just rip the lid off and dive in.
Since the first invention there has been a tug of war between ludites and technophiles. One thing is for certain if the moralists and technophobes had their way throughout the ages we would still be wearing bear skins and clubbing our dinner to death.
There will always be a handfull of peple who want thier values to be everyone values, but fortunately they remain a vocal minority and progress generally wins through eventually.
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"MMOs, for people that like think chatting is like a skill or something, rotflol"
http://purepwnage.com
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"Far away across the field, the tolling of the iron bell, calls the faithful to their knees. To hear the softly spoken magic spell" Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon
I have only 1 word to say, the title of an old horror flick
MANIMAL
µV
µV
Heres the proof:
Well if Peta staged a break in to free the animals, then you may have a problem.
Also, isn't enough food already made to end world hunger? It's just getting it to the people that need it is the problem.
My mind has changed so much. Yet I'm still acting like I'm the same.
It's my contention that we don't really have to cross-breed sheep with humans. We're already naturally evolving into government led sheeple with no help at all.
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