With genetic modification it seems that it will be possible to create an elite human being.
Scientists at the Case Western Reserve University at Cleveland in Ohio performed a groundbreaking new experiment which created 500 new “super mice”. The mice put through this process became far superior to their normal kind. Within the procedure they had a single metabolism gene changed in their DNA which yielded astounding results. The physical abilities of all the animals increased significantly. They were able to run faster and for longer periods of time, live longer and even reproduce at an older age.
The ‘London Independent’ reported that:
“The mouse can run up to six kilometres at a speed of 20 metres per minute for five hours or more without stopping. Scientists said that this was equivalent of a man cycling at speed up an Alpine mountain without a break.”
If introduced successfully into humans this kind of athletic enhancement could possibly turn the world of professional sports on its head with stronger, faster and overall better athletes. However with this great increase in physical performance there is a downside. Within the altered mice there were side effects which caused the mice to become overly aggressive and consume twice the amount of food of a regular mouse.
The idea that humans will one day be able to use this technique is reinforced strongly because the altered gene in the mice is also found in humans. However Professor Richard Hanson has commented:
“We do not think that this mouse model is an appropriate model for human gene therapy. It is currently not possible to introduce genes into the skeletal muscles of humans and it would not be ethical to even try.”
So in the current situation there is no rush for human testing to be carried out as a wide variety of variables have to be assessed and cleared.
Another problem, if people become able to live longer and to have more children, would be the risk of over-population however those bridges will be crossed in due course and there is already information present that the world would be able to cope with such a population increase.
So in conclusion it seems that the modern ‘Superman’ won’t be created for a fair few years to come as it undergoes rigorous scientific testing to make it safe and ethical for the human race but the ingredients are present and waiting for this new creation.
Reference
http://www.infowars.net/articles/november2007/021107Genetic.htm
http://news.independent.co.uk/sci_tech/article3121157.ece
