Dark Prophecy
Since I’ve been asked by Philip to lead the project (I’m sure all our prayers go to him and his family), I’ve had a chance to get a fresh perspective on exactly what we are doing here.
If the idea of RNA-guided gene editing isn’t upsetting the equilibrium of your daydreams, right now, you’re probably not too interested in gene therapy. Or, indeed, the future of humanity.
All of us contain a vast number of as yet untold genetic secrets. We don’t know how important each one of us is to the future of humankind. But your own, very unique DNA could hold the key to the survival of our species. It’s just possible.
What we’re doing is controversial, certainly. There are voices who suppose to speak in the name of human-rights who fear we are taking the first steps to creating a super-race; to make serfs of those who can’t afford the treatment. Those imagined dystopias are for politicians and science fiction authors to lose sleep over, not scientists.
It’s never been for scientists to concern themselves with the consequences of their discoveries. J. Robert Oppenheimer was horrified at the destructive powers of the nuclear weapons he helped to create. However, their threat of instant mutual annihilation has almost certainly prevented a repeat of the large-scale world conflicts that preceded their invention — the very opposite of what was feared.
The lessons from history are pretty unambiguous: if we inhibited ourselves with consequences, no science would ever be done.
Scientists must deal in evidence. The rest of society is not so restricted. This might be why there have recently been a number of strangely-acting folk “lost” outside our labs. Am I going crazy, or are these people here with thoughts other than the forward march of knowledge?
Yes, it’s troubling. But in this new dark age of confusion, reason must fortify itself. Cancers, autoimmune diseases and age-related brain degeneration could be a thing of the past. Ideals are impersonal. But don’t lose sight that this bio-tech could make the difference to you or someone you love.
My thoughts are with my dear friend, Amy Huyt. I wish her a fast recovery.
Until next time.
