Galt's Gulch

Will Banning Genetic Engineering Kill You?

Posted by DrEdwardHudgins 8 years, 4 months ago to News
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Genetic engineering breakthroughs are curing cancer and promising health and long life. So I argue that proposed bans on this technology based on dubious morality could literally kill you.
SOURCE URL: http://atlassociety.org/commentary/commentary-blog/5914-will-banning-genetic-engineering-kill-you

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  • Posted by DrEdwardHudgins 8 years, 4 months ago
    Here's the latest out of Switzerland, "Scientists have identified the genes responsible for ageing and a longer lifespan." http://www.sciencealert.com/scientist...
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    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 8 years, 4 months ago
      Way cool! I know the idea has been to treat old age as a disease and treat it systemically and but this is a real breakthrough.

      I also solved philosophically using both objective reasoning in all it's forms starting with metaphysics through epistemology and came up with the answer to number three ethics.

      For those who object to longer life spans....die. Requires zero effort except traveling to Oregon and a few other States if you want to shorten it a bit and how much more altruistic can you get?

      I base that on the three known truths of life, birth, life itself, and death at the rate of one per customer. You can't control the first, you can somewhat control the second and now it may be you can somewhat control the third.

      As for overcrowding the Islamics have the perfect solution. Commit suicide and go to paradise. Who are we to stop that noble effort of making more room on the planet...

      My tongue was not in my cheek...that time.
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  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 8 years, 4 months ago
    The answer is individual choice. Those who are offered a chance to live and refuse it - die. The rest of us can live. AFTER applying the due diligence required of objectivism. Mass hysteria and pseudo science has it's place...filling graveyards.
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    • Posted by DrEdwardHudgins 8 years, 4 months ago
      Yes, if someone wants to forgo a treatment, that's their choice. But the weird argument here is that consent is necessary for genetic engineering to be used on an individual, but using such engineering on sperm, eggs, or embryos to produce a healthy child is done, by definition, without the resulting child's permission. A weird argument.
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  • Posted by $ Abaco 8 years, 4 months ago
    Like many things, some caution is prudent.

    One of the facets that have captured me is this move towards organic, non-gmo, food. Based on firsthand experience I try to avoid a lot of gmo produce and almost nobody would guess why. It's no the gmo that worries me, it's what we spray on it. I try to consume as little glyphosate as possible. I am concerned about gmo salmon recently approved because it will be managed by morons in an effort not to interfere with native salmon. We'll see how that goes.

    We've cured cancer? Didn't know that. I have been following recent developments on going after melanoma (something that I've had battles with).
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    • Posted by DrEdwardHudgins 8 years, 4 months ago
      Scientists haven't cured cancer because there are different kinds. They have developed a way to eliminate this particular kind. This research will certainly continue because even those who object to genetic editing of sperm, eggs, or embryos are generally okay with this sort of editing.
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      • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 8 years, 4 months ago
        One of the most interesting areas requiring my study was cancer prevention and curing. In writing my first drafts I had a secret scifi type anti cancer cure. Come to find out modern science had surpassed it and was moving ahead on a number of different fronts.

        Assuming nor more idiotic road blocks are thrown up.
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    • Posted by $ WilliamShipley 8 years, 4 months ago
      I thought one of the common genetic modifications was to make the plant more resistant to pests and thus require LESS stuff sprayed on it.
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      • Posted by $ Abaco 8 years, 4 months ago
        No, and yes. A company made food crops resistant to an herbicide, then has since sold millions of tons of that herbicide. It makes sense, really, until you eat the herbicide. I pieced this together years ago, long before there was a thing written about it, when I had some involvement in agriculture aviation. A huge portion of that business around here (America's fruit bowl - the San Joaquin Valley) is spraying Roundup on crops. I remember, clear as day, seeing my first palate of the stuff sitting next to the aircraft and thinking, "WTH?" Haha... It's not representative of the overall topic of GMO. Just one facet.

        Chemistry is fun.

        Regarding your point - we are close to one of the leaders in ag gmo in academia - UC Davis. They produced this beautiful tomato (I love tomatoes!) that stays firm, plump, red in shipment. But, it stays like that for a long time. Really long time. And, the flavor isn't very good, at all - nothing like some of the local garden varieties we grow in the yard. Funny thing! - Years ago I tried to plant and grow some seeds from those tomatoes from the university and they wouldn't germinate. They appear to be single-generation and out.
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  • Posted by CircuitGuy 8 years, 4 months ago
    I think genetic engineering will be accepted. I can't imagine a future like Star Trek where we have all kinds of amazing technology, but genetic engineering is still banned. It's odd to watch episodes where they mention it. The ban seems out of place in a utopian future.
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  • Posted by tkstone 8 years, 4 months ago
    My only reason for caution is to be watchful for unintended consequences. Definitely not cause to ban, but I prefer to not be a guinea pig unless no other choice exists. It is all about knowing the costs and benefits when making a decision.
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