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Frankenstein?

Entry 92, on 2004-11-26 at 15:05:28 (Rating 2, Science)

I read a report a while ago now about some scientists in Britain who are collecting DNA samples from endangered species and believe in the future they might be able to use these to re-create the species in question.

This type of technology was shown in the movie Jurassic Park, and like Michael Crichton's other work, it is based on real science. But its not the distant future we are talking about here. The British scientists believe it might be possible to do this now, and it will certainly be possible in the near future.

Some people might be rather alarmed that this is possible. After watching Jurassic Park they might imagine rampaging dinosaurs stomping on everything in sight some time next week. Jurassic Park belongs to the classic "Frankenstein" genre of science fiction which predicts dire consequences when science "tampers" with nature. I reject this, and support research in every area without restraint. After all, in effect most scientific progress involves tampering with nature.

If a technology is too dangerous to use it should be controlled at the implementation phase, not the research phase. Most new technology is a lot more useful than imagined when it is being developed so its very limiting preventing the initial research from ever proceeding.

The other argument which is bound to appear is the opinion that this is "changing God's will". My reply to this is: first, there is no evidence that God even exists so this can be dispensed with fairly easily; and second, if we listened to these people most of the advantages of science we have today would never have been developed.

So I say "bring it on". The more new technologies and capabilities we have the better. Any small associated risk is worth it!

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