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Post by Bismarck on May 26, 2010 22:39:34 GMT
Dr Craig Venter has created a synthetic cell where the genetic code was built from scratch which is the first artificial life created and could well open the way to do much more. Almost everyone agrees that it is a major scientific breakthrough. As the creation of life is perhaps the biggest area where science has not cracked that God has already done there have already been accusations that Dr Venter is playing God.
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Post by Stealth on May 27, 2010 13:43:39 GMT
Are we playing God? Worryingly so I would say.
What exactly will it lead to? Frankenstein may be a bit far fetched but, like genetically modified food we have no real idea what effect this will have on nature in the long term. A single cell is obviously not a worry but scientists won't stop there so what are they aiming to create? A fish to replenish the seas? A new wild animal? Both could be extremely dangerous as they have not been produced by evolution and therefore will not have their place in the balance of nature leading to who knows what?.
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Post by hallmackem on May 30, 2010 14:34:37 GMT
GM crops have been grown in the states for years with no problems at all.
Transgenic organisms have been used in the study of Biology/Medicine/Biochemistry for years. Nothing bad has happened yet.
As for the applications of Dr. Venter's work, I wouldn't be too worried. The main goal is the production of green energy by using his synthetic organisms to convert Carbon Dioxide to oxygen (using a synthetic Algae). Scientists are very adept at using aseptic technique and avoiding contamination. People would not let this get out where it could do damage, if it could do any damage to begin with.
The problem comes with the opportunity for personal gains. Dr Venter is notorious for keeping most of his technologies private.
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Post by Bismarck on May 31, 2010 10:24:35 GMT
The promises, though, what really raise concerns... Using synthetic organisms to replace our dependence on oil?!? Someday everyone will have to wake up and realize the oil dependence extends far beyond their tiny little gas tank. Not only does agriculture rely on it (to fuel farm equipment and food transport, provide pesticides and fertilizer, etc.), but the entire Western economy depends on it. And we can only depend on it because we are using energy that has been accumulating in the earth for billions of years. If we used synthetic organisms to create fuel, the energy in that fuel would have to come from somewhere... and probably the sun. That means more competition for valuable land space. And as we continue to provide cheap fuel, our economies continue to grow... a necessity for our economic system. Eventually we'll hit a limit to our growth, whether we've got green energy or not.
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Post by Stealth on Jun 2, 2010 16:01:40 GMT
The first GM crop was grown in 1990 - just 20 years ago. We didn't notice climate change until nearly 300 years after the Industrial Revolution so I won't be satisfied with the safety of GM foods in my lifetime!
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