Scientists pushing us beyond the point of no return with genetically engineered fruit flies.
In the Footsteps of Jurassic Park: Scientists Pushing the Boundaries of Genetic Engineering
In the 1993 hit film “Jurassic Park,” geneticists brought dinosaurs back to life using DNA extracted from a prehistoric mosquito trapped in amber. While the movie served as a cautionary tale against genetic engineering, a recent scientific paper suggests that not everyone learned the right lesson from it.
Published in Current Biology, this groundbreaking paper reveals that researchers have successfully induced “virgin births” in fruit flies through genetic manipulation.
Unleashing the Power of Parthenogenesis
Parthenogenesis is a form of reproduction where females can produce embryos without the need for males. While this phenomenon is unique to humans, it is quite common in nature.
Evolutionary biologist Tanja Schwander explains, “Parthenogenesis is the most effective way to reproduce. In animals, sexual reproduction can be quite complicated.”
To achieve this feat, scientists sequenced different strains of a fly species. By isolating the genes responsible for parthenogenesis, they were able to activate this method of reproduction in flies that would not normally be capable of it.
In a world first, they succeeded. Over 10% of the fruit flies exhibited the activated parthenogenesis gene, and some of their offspring were also able to reproduce using this unique method. This trait is often exploited by agricultural pests, leading to rapid reproduction and infestation in fields.
However, the potential consequences of inducing this gene in other pests could be disastrous.
Lessons from “Jurassic Park”
As the scientists in “Jurassic Park” discovered, some actions cannot be undone. The accidental release of a gene-edited locust, mosquito, or wasp could have catastrophic effects, as we have seen with the possibility of lab leaks.
Furthermore, the stakes are raised even higher with the successful application of advanced gene editing techniques in humans. A Chinese scientist claims to have used CRISPR-cas9 to produce babies immune to HIV.
While this experiment was widely criticized, it serves as an invitation to unethical scientists and state interests to manipulate human genetics for their own purposes. With the world on the brink of nuclear conflict, it is not far-fetched to imagine attempts to create modified humans in a bid for supremacy.
The Urgent Need for Responsible Use
The dangers and pitfalls of this technology are abundantly clear, surpassing even the wildest imaginations of science fiction authors. As a species, we must ensure the responsible use of these discoveries, grounded in the inherent value of every human life.
For more information, read the full article here.
Source: The Western Journal
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