Gene Editing for Space Survival: Ethical Storm Over Genetic Enhancements for Astronauts
July 29, 2024Genome editing is being explored as a potential solution to help humans adapt to the harsh conditions of deep space.
Experts believe gene modifications could protect astronauts from the significant health risks posed by space radiation, including increased cancer risk.
Research is underway to transfer genes from tardigrades, known for their extreme resilience, to humans, potentially enhancing survival in space.
Potential applications of gene editing in space include inserting radiation-neutralizing genes from plants and bacteria into humans and engineering crops to withstand radiation.
The rapid advancement of gene editing technology outpaces the ethical discussions surrounding its use, leading to an uncertain future for human adaptation in space.
Concerns about permanently altering the human species may drive opposition to genome editing technologies.
The global controversy surrounding the 2018 creation of gene-edited babies by Chinese scientist He Jiankui highlights the ethical dilemmas posed by gene editing.
He Jiankui faced legal consequences for his premature attempts at gene editing, which sparked significant ethical debates.
A recent discussion featuring Mat Honan and Antonio Regalado with He Jiankui explored the controversial technology and its implications for the future.
The role of genetic enhancement in future space missions will depend on societal acceptance and regulatory frameworks governing their use.
Humanity faces significant challenges in space travel and colonization, including harsh environmental conditions like radiation, extreme temperatures, and weightlessness effects.
Countries vary in their regulatory approaches to genome editing, with Germany and Canada being particularly cautious.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources
MIT Technology Review • Jul 25, 2024
Roundtables: CRISPR Babies—Six years laterThe Hindu • Jul 27, 2024
Human DNA will have to be edited if humans are to settle on other planetsThe Daily Galaxy - Great Discoveries Channel • Jul 28, 2024
Genetically Enhanced Astronauts: The Future of Space Colonization?