How genetic modification could change the face of mankind, entertainment plays a part
In a digital age where consumers constantly immerse themselves in technologically advanced multi-media entertainment — albeit movies or television shows — the question begs: How much of what’s in theaters and on televisions mirrors real life technological advancements?
Steven Spielberg’s 2001 sci-fi drama Artificial Intelligence (originally slated for the late cinematic great and 2011: A Space Odyssey visionary Stanley Kubrick) sets a new trend in filmmaking, predicting that in the not-so-distant future, droids will have programming similar to that of humans. And, not only will these man-made configurations physically and intelligently outperform our species, but they’ll also exhibit empathetic human characteristics. Sure The Terminator showed no mercy when tackling enemies, but what about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (also Spielberg’s character) and the beloved WALL-E?
Flash forward to today, and there’s a deluge of sci-fi-centric entertainment from which to choose. Quite frankly, many productions would waste one’s viewing time. That is, most certainly barring editorial and filmic coverage surrounding the supposedly revolutionary gene-modifying tool, CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats).
In what some experts have deemed beyond extraordinary, CRISPR’s programming teams allegedly hold the key to curing genetic diseases and cancers, and even altering physical traits. CBSN (CBS News) recently produced a documentary on CRISPR last fall, calling the aired feature story “Playing God.” What’s that possibly like, holding as much power as a divine presence responsible for having created everything known to mankind, and beyond? Should technology supplant the cards that one is dealt, whether that’s stopping genetic mutations resulting in cancerous cells, putting an end to extra chromosomes and predisposed conditions, curing disease that were once scientifically incurable, or designing the so-called “perfect” genetic make-up? No one really knows, at least not yet. CRISPR has not come to market as it’s in labs and the clinic. With that said, the venture’s still the talk of the town — especially Tinseltown.
Natural beauty Jennifer Lopez, who’s had tremendous success as an award-winning singer/songwriter and actress, is slated to star in NBC’s upcoming thriller series called by the same name, C.R.I.S.P.R. It’s not the first time that Lopez has taken on such a role (The Cell, anyone?) in Hollywood. While certain scientists continually hail potential genetic modifications as positive for the future of mankind, Lopez’s action-packed series will supposedly address the downside to changing genetic destiny. Genome editing’s ethical and physiological risks within the biotech industry remain a separate issue from its clinical success rates.
Interested in exploring topics like this one, AI, automation and biotech further? There’s an upcoming two-day industry summit hosted by WorkFusion that will feature a panel of industry leaders discussing the transformation of customer experience through innovation and ingenuity, and how best in class solutions enhance further customer experiences. For more information on how to sign up or on the sponsoring-company itself, visit https://ascend.workfusion.com/nyc-2018/agenda. And for fellow Sci-fi fans, see what AFI rates as flicks you must see before kicking the bucket: http://www.afi.com/10top10/category.aspx?cat=7.
