Danger Zone One

The following is an article from Science Today, a quarterly publication dedicated to exploring popular science, technology, and cutting-edge innovations. [Article originally published three years ago.]

REDESIGNING HUMANITY:
THE ETHICS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
By Sander Harkin

Genetic engineering has become a topic of fierce debate, with many examining its applications as a dual-use dilemma—an ethical principle in which technology can be used for both beneficial and harmful purposes.

Modifying human genes can undoubtedly enhance and improve human life. At present, Class 1 and Class 2 genetic modification fall under “gene therapy,” which allows for medical treatment, curing/preventing diseases, correcting birth defects, and a wide range of related uses.

Class 3 genetic manipulation involves more radical examples of human enhancement. This can include altering an individual’s appearance, metabolism, physical capabilities, and mental faculties such as memory or intelligence. “Gene doping” is also considered Class 3 (ie improving athlete performance in sporting events).

There has been increasing issues of legality regarding Class 3 gene modification, along with potential moral/ethical concerns. Numerous countries have passed laws to prevent Class 3 human enhancements—however, these laws fail to encompass the entire scope of Class 3 augmentation. The distinction between therapy and enhancement has been open to debate, and certain enhancements may be done under the guise of therapy. For instance, athletes might receive gene therapy mods to better treat “fatigue” or “exhaustion” which, in turn, may enhance their athletic performance—ultimately giving them an unfair advantage against non-modded competitors.

And then there’s the matter of black markets, which exists outside of the legal spectrum entirely. As genetic technologies advance, genome editing has become faster, cheaper and more efficient. This has given rise to a booming underground market for illegal human modification, where “gene manipulators” will offer biological augments for a price, no ethical concerns attached.

Even governments known to publicly decry Class 3 genetic enhancement have been caught developing methods to augment their soldiers. Military applications are nearly endless—imagine soldiers who are more emotionally resilient and less prone to post-traumatic stress syndrome. Taken to extremes, governments could even produce “efficient killing machines” with an altered capacity for emotion. Private military contractors, some already operating in legal grey areas, could start enhancing their employees with genetic augments to include near-superhuman strength, greater endurance, and superior cognitive function.

A recent study, leaked from the Marabian government, reveals trials of gene-enhancement involving human resistance to acute radiation syndrome, thereby increasing a soldiers’ ability to survive nuclear fallout. Other known bio-enhancements include providing greater resilience to frostbite, reducing stress levels, alleviating sleep deprivation, and reducing or entirely eliminating pain.

Certain groups, such as the Council for Human Welfare, have pushed for far stricter laws on all forms of gene technology. Their worries range from a fear of eugenics-like discrimination, social stratification, unregulated biological manipulation, and the risk of unforeseen consequences resulting from changes to the human genome.

With current laws, few actual cases of Class 3 genetic engineering have been brought to court or successfully prosecuted. Illegal underground practices and black market operations are estimated to be growing yearly, with “mod shops” now found in every major city—some even openly advertising their services.

Ethical questions regarding gene technology now play a significant role in political and public discourse, and will likely become more prominent, particularly at the intersection of gene manipulation and military application.

For better or worse, all aspects of genetic engineering are here to stay—what this means for the future of humanity remains to be seen.

Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Salaiix.