(Human Clones?)

(Opinion-article)

Not only products but also humans can be genetically modified. Modern scientists are widely exploring the possibility of editing the human genetic code. Moreover, new regulations will allow the testing of such modifications in Europe this year. But why do we need it?

This year, scientists expect to make a real breakthrough in the field of genetic modification: they hope thanks to this method to overcome a disease known as beta-thalassemia. It is a devastating blood disorder that significantly reduces the production of hemoglobin, a complex iron-containing protein that supplies oxygen to cells. Scientists believe that they can change the body code to restore healthy hemoglobin level.

For example, in 2016, Chinese universities began using the technology known as CRISPR to fight cancer cells: the essence of therapy is to remove a patient’s immune cells, genetically edit them, to target tumors, and introduce them back to the bloodstream.

Everyone has heard about GMO products — scientists usually use the virus to introduce a useful gene into products. The situation is somewhat similar to humans.

Despite the fact, that this aspect of science is still quite controversial, such methods make it possible to modify genomes quite clearly, which should allow a person to get rid of many genetic diseases in the near future.

But if, for some people, genetic modification is the only hope for a healthy life, technology is likely to be used for many different purposes.

Many people agree that genetic modification gives a hope to many people with different types of genetic diseases. At the same time, we need to understand that there are various goals for gene modification. For example, it can completely change our perception of modern sports, in which athletes will use the capabilities of genetic engineering to significantly improve their abilities.

Besides, with the development of this technology, many ethical questions remain unanswered: for example, how moral is it to modify genes and what if only wealthy people will be able to edit their defects and improve their health?

After all, what then would be a person’s identity if he could easily change himself and his genetics? This will require us to agree, solving very complex ethical dilemmas. The question is not whether all this will be possible, but when the CRISPR method becomes a justifiable opportunity to improve oneself. What else can I add? Is it a good idea to deal with a genetically modified human clone, somewhere, in future?  Maybe, they have already been roaming among us! OMG!

We can just wait in order to see the result…By the way, what do you  think about it?

April 24, 2020