Last week I have woken up with headline on magazine ‘The first computer generated genome is here’. Suddenly, my heart beat was increased and my body was ready for day with big excitement. Because we were one day closer to those days when we can produce.
https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/natur/genom-forschung-genkontrolleur-im-nebenjob-a-658358.html
Two scientists from ETH Zurich found a way to simplify production of large DNA which has many genes. With this method, they have created exact copy of natural genome without any modification on original sample. The work is based on a fresh water bacteria which was studied comprehensively before. They saw that 680 genes out of 4000 were crucial for life and their study used this information as starting point. Then they managed chemically syntheses and copied genome by using computer algorithm
As a next step, they are looking forward to improve this algorithm and create more functional bacteria cells. In long term, they believe that this invention will play crucial role of production of active synthetic molecules and vitamins for pharmacological applications and also DNA vaccines.
Another important study at protein level is CRISPR which is hot topic both for research and discussions. Basically it is genetic manipulation or editing at DNA level. This technology gives us chance to modify, add or remove of exact location on genome. For example, with this modification, a bacteria can remember the virus which threatens it and when they encounter again, easily cut and deactivate the virus.
Other current applications of CRISPR are: slowing down and prevention of aging, investigating biological formation of brain tumor, removing HIV from immune system, removing some genetic diseases before birth, demolishing malaria, increase resistance of plants against environmental conditions and vaccines for them, bio fuel, new hybrid animals from fossils of extinctic animals.. It means more GMO and new spices and complex systems in the future like human, animal and so on.
Isn’t it exciting?
The reason behind popularity of Genome project and all this applications is actually mystery of our genetic codes. DNA is currently biggest puzzle in our life. Scientific background is to fight against diseases like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease or complex diseases lie cancer, heart diseases, psychological diseases, to understand biological formation of human and animals better.
What is expected in the future are:
- %100 understanding of genes
- Understanding effects and significance of changes on DNA
- Fabricating new complex systems
- Early diagnosis of diseases and preventing them
- Another possible application is genetic drives which provides transmitting certain traits from generations to generations or vice versa
Think that! Current technology allows us to slow down aging and even reversing it somehow. Our life span is extending every day. Owing to CRISPR, our lives will change as well. Perhaps, we will feel like 30 when we are 70 years old. All physical and biological transform will happen late ages and at the age of 60 we will still have big dreams and energy to achieve them.
Let’s go further
Artificial faces with artificial intelligence, 3D printer and artificial organs, artificial skin, extra ordinary developments on artificial intelligence, self-organizing molecules which creates electrical systems… when we think about all this developments, it can be clearly seen that we are very close to create synthetic beings.
In the future, we will be able to prevent aging completely. We will be able to change deformed organs, cells with the new ones we produce. I am not sure if we can be immortal but it is sure that we will be stronger. Our life standards, expectations, life styles, our world perspectives will completely change.
On the other hand, we will be able to create %100 new race or species. New plants, new animals for new tasks. New model human.. Maybe like a robot or maybe completely like us. All these won’t be copy of original, conversely, they will be new just like us. Most probably, we will combine this new species according to their ancestors, genetical information,, They will be mixture of past as we are. Perhaps, we will send them to space to harsh conditions and after sometime they will get used to that environment and create new civilization there and they won’t need us anymore. Who know? Maybe we were created in same way.
Interesting thing is, after a while neither us nor new ones understand or remember how they were created. Complex algorithms, increasing processor speeds is already and will be more beyond our understanding. so, hundred years later, answer of question ‘How were we created?’ will be ‘There must be some supernatural power beyond us’
Anyway, while we are dreaming all these and getting closer technology as fast as possible, there are also limitations. Today’s applications are restricted with somatic cells rather than eggs and sperm cell which can transform information to next generations. The reason behind that is, ethical problems haven’t been comprehensively thought and discussed yet. Besides, dark nature of human is another problem. We all know about our ‘evil’ or ‘dark’ side.
- Should we do all these without next generations’ consent? What if there will be unintended effects, diseases, genetic deformations?
- What if genetic diversity is suddenly increased or decreased?
- What will stop studies and works on genetic weapons? How to prevent it?
- Who will be responsible with storing and safety of genetical source code of individuals? How to prevent misuse?
- How will be approach for detected genetic diseases, psychological problems or tendency of suicide? Because environment is as important as genetic tendency and it is not known what kind of psychological effect will be after treatment
- How to provide equal rights and chance for ones who wants to have super baby or normal baby?
- How will parents behave when they know about possible risks of baby?
Probably our grandsons/daughters will see the answer and they will experience it with all good and bad aspects. Now we only know that it is just matter of time.
Originally published at https://bahadirhancicek.medium.com on April 30, 2019.
bahadirhancicek 
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