The Final Syn:
Will Human Hubris Bite Us In The Genes?
Image Generated By Dalle-3 AI
Is it a syn? Back when I was at University, we talked about genetic engineering: You could cut a section of DNA out of a strand of human DNA, insert it in the DNA of a bacteria, and voila—that bacteria would produce the exact DNA you inserted when it replicated itself. One of the monumental successes was in the medical field; pig and cow insulin was once the go-to insulin for diabetics. Even though they are close genetic matches, their insulin is imperfect for humans, which causes medical issues.
Fast-forward to my time at University, and the miracle of genetic engineering allows us to cut the section of our DNA that encodes insulin and insert it into a bacterial life form, typically into bacteria (commonly E. coli) or yeast, and shazam—we now create 100 per cent human insulin. This miracle of science was a life-changing moment for diabetes sufferers. This new science added to their quality of life and longevity.
Fast-forward once more to my golden years, and we have a new scientific kid on the block: synthetic biology. Now, we can potentially eliminate the bacteria and create the insulin synthetically—from scratch! If it can be commercialised, this scientific breakthrough boggles my mind with its potential for great good and great harm.
I find myself pondering the question again: Is it a Syn? The ethical implications of wielding this level of power are sobering! Hitler may have embraced this technology wholeheartedly had it been available in his time. Have we the moral fortitude to play a benevolent rather than malevolent God? Looking at the chaos prevalent in the current era, I think not.
What if the powers that be found out how to rewrite the genetic variants connected to same-sex behaviour, Down Syndrome, facial features, or hair colour? This genetic meddling would devastate the beauty and excitement inherent in human diversity. What if we could create the perfect humans and cookie-cutter them on a genetic assembly line? No more crime, obesity, or ugliness. Thousands of the same cookies on a plate: no variety, no nuance…
I see the technology's compelling benefits and understand the human propensity to 'fix what isn't broken.' That is the part that scares me! Do we do things just because we can, or do we use some moral and ethical fortitude in tempering our lust for meddling?
Our propensity for hubris and slippery slope ethics is a red flag for me. History has a way of repeating itself, as the chronosystem tends to inject amnesia into the zeitgeist. The next frontier in biotechnological innovation is here; it is scary and a minefield of ethical considerations. In the immortal words of Illidan Stormrage, 'You are not prepared'. The amplifying technology of AI is here and will exponentially propel innovation in synthetic biology. Is Illidan right?
We were not prepared for the fallout of nuclear testing on the lives and health of service persons…We count that cost now. How will we navigate the synthetic biotechnical revolution in the age of AI? Should we hit the brakes–back the proverbial truck up?
Strategic foresight is our insight: let us learn from history, and let us not go dumbly into that dark night! Our technological prowess must match our moral and ethical commitment, lest we risk an existential world-altering event for the Genus Homo. Beware—like a Siren's call, the future stalks us relentlessly, sensuously—like a Siren's call, lulling our critical thinking skills into a deep slumber and luring us by our lascivious fascination with controlling the uncontrollable.