This is known as Human Gene Editing. Such human modification already existed in the forms of steroids, which makes one look like a machine (bigger and stronger). But it would be naïve of us to believe that this modification is used only in sports and fitness and only for adults. A somewhat similar form of modification is believed to be used in the case of Human Gene Editing. It is complicated ad scary.
According to the US Intelligence Chief, China is allegedly breeding its own biologically enhanced “super soldiers” by altering the DNA that can out-power the soldiers of any other country. A country with a military as strong as 2 million is trying to make it even stronger with this method.
The Chinese Government claims all this to be false but there might be a possibility, which can be proven by an insane experiment conducted by a Chinese scientist He Jiankui.
Even though China’s science policy explicitly prohibits genetic manipulation of human gametes, zygotes, and embryos for reproductive purposes, He Jiankui made the first genetically modified babies in the history of humankind.
The result was twin baby girls who were born with altered copies of a gene known as CCR5, which the scientist hoped would make them immune to HIV as the twins’ father was HIV positive.
His project wasn’t quite as innocent as it might sound. The scientist forged the ethical review documents and it was found that the babies involved (Lulu and Nana) were not gifted with neatly edited genes.
Not only are they not necessarily immune to HIV, but they have also been accidentally endowed with versions of CCR5 that are entirely made up and do not exist in any other human genome on the planet.
Jiankui was found guilty of illegal medical practices and sentenced to 3 years in prison. Even though he has disappeared, his innovation can be used in the future. Some might be in its favor as it might help in healing future diseases by using the same technique.
But the question that comes to mind is that how far can we push science or medicine? And where do human ethics and religion draw the line?
This might help us in the future but it can be insanely scary if given in the wrong hands as there is a difference in using such technology to control diseases and to alter humans. It is important that its use stays limited in order to prevent violence and treat humans as objects.
How Far Can Humans Go to Playing Gods?
“Man has to start with something and then develop it – he cannot ever make anything from nothing, only God can do that and call forth the creation.” – Margaret Weston
This quote stands true in all its aspects, yet humans like to play the dangerous game of being God. They have gone to lengths to prove this – from creating viruses in their labs which eventually lead to adverse pandemics leading to loss of many lives to trying to modify the human genes in order to create “Super Soldiers” for the future.
