To be Superhuman

With the advent of new sequencing technologies and the completion of the human genome project, an array of information about the human genome has been mapped, charted and analyzed. As these pioneering aspects have taken place within the last decade, genetic data (especially that of single genes), has become widely available. Recent advances in functional genomics, molecular biology, and genetics have allowed for specific examination of a gene & its effect by the use of model organisms such as mice, Drosophilia, & other mammalian systems such as apes. Imagine the following scenarios being applied to humans:

1. 1)       Mouse can run up to six kph (3.7 miles) at a speed of 20 meters per minute for five hours or more without stopping which is equivalent of a man cycling at speed up an Alpine mountain without a break. Although it eats up to 60 per cent more food than an ordinary mouse, the modified mouse does not put on weight. It also lives longer and is capable of breeding at three times the normal maximum age: http://blog.case.edu/case-news/2007/11/02/mightymouse
2. 2)      An important gene that was discovered in 2004 for the regulation of skeletal muscle was termed myostatin. Deficiency of this gene increases muscle mass by a factor of 3 to 4 times increasing strength, endurance, and overall efficiency of muscular dependent work. While in the following link (http://www.who-sucks.com/people/monstrous-myostatin-misfortunes-a-collection-of-myostatin-deficiency- pictures) is portrayed in a negative fashion by its authors,  gene regulation & or manipulation of myostatin has many prospective therapies for diseases such as muscular dystrophy etc. and further applications for enhancing humans.
3. 3)       Studies in identical twins have shown specific genes that contribute to IQ & intelligence formation. As taken n as an example: http://www.abc.net.au/quantum/stories/s103200.htm#transcript , researchers such as John Tsien have taken relevant genes and modified mice that display higher intelligence in spatial and learning tasks. In the October 08 issue of Scientific American, the prospect for genetic evidence for intelligence was examined as follows:  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=searching-for-intelligence-in-our-genes

With the rapid flux of technological discovery in the biological fields new therapeutics (within the last 2 years) that deal with symptoms at the genetic level have arisen: RNAi and silencing of cancer genes, deacetylation cocktails that regulate gene expression, modern forms of gene therapy that allow for safe insertion and deletion of genes are on the horizon. While these therapies have already been created, pending FDA approval we can expect these technologies in the market within the next decade. In the last decade parents had the ability to go to eugenics banks and choose the eye colour, hair colour, or physical disposition of their child. To take this process further, why not implement genes that further improves the human form such as the ones listed above? One such documentary was constructed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgHAmshyNP8, “The Real Superhumans” by Discovery. While in the some abilities such as synesthesia (which I found useless) were over represented, others such as resistance to sub arctic temperatures, processing numbers faster than a super computer, creating chimeric organisms by merging two completely different species together, and the strange ability to paint without ever having eyes pose for some interesting wanted abilities.

While the idea of betterment and attaining superhuman status is enticing what could be the possible cons? If humans are modified with abilities this leads to dangers such as segregation of classes among the human population. Breeding of persons with abilities could eventually cause speciation producing two races, with one (w/ abilities) superseding over the other leading to strife? Of course the human race is always in some sort of conflict so perhaps ethical concerns such as these aren’t as precedent when trying to produce a better overall scenario of creating superhuman.

References

• Mighty Mouse
• Misfortunes of Myostatin Deficiency
• Smart Mouse
• Intelligence in our Genes