So, is humanity evolving? Will genetically engineered superhumans create two classes of people, the superhuman and the lesser human?
What are your thoughts?
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Since the beginning of life on Earth, evolution has been dictated by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. And now, humanity is on the brink of a change so radical, so rapid and unlike any other stage in human history. And while most of us are waiting at the precipice, have some already taken the leap?
In this special two-hour presentation, "The Real Superhumans and the Quest for the Future Fantastic," witness the amazing stories of real people with extraordinary super powers. But just who are these "super humans?" In Switzerland, meet a woman who combines senses so that she can "taste" music; in Turkey, a painter compared with Renaissance master Brunelleschi, who has been blind since birth; in Germany, a man discovered one day that he can perform complex calculations in his mind; and in the Netherlands, a man who possesses the inexplicable power to withstand extreme cold - but how? These super powers seemingly transcend what it means to be human, how we use our natural senses and our physical limitations. Meet these remarkable individuals, consult with the world's leading geneticists, biologists and futurists and discover their startling perspectives on these super powers and the implications of these gifts on future generations.
No species has had the ability to direct its own evolutionary course - until now. Have we reached the point where new technologies have put the genetic engineering process into our own hands? The real-life superheroes in this special are harbingers of the type of advanced humans we could become in the not-so-distant future - by examining the unique gifts they possess today, what can we learn about what humanity will be like tomorrow? "The Real Superhumans and the Quest for the Future Fantastic" is about true superheroes, genetic engineering and the future of human evolution. See how the rules of evolution are on the brink of fundamental change, how it will happen, and - ultimately - how it provokes the question of what it means to be human.
Hat man dir mal ins Gehirn geschissen und vergessen umzuruhren?
07-01-2008 02:44 PM
kryptik Heliman Location: South Carolina
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What are your thoughts?
As wonderful as it sounds, we'll probably destroy ourselves long before this benefits us in any way. I hope they reair it though. I would love to see it...
As wonderful as it sounds, we'll probably destroy ourselves long before this benefits us in any way.
I don't think so... The ability to genetically engineer our own superpowers is already here. There is a huge ethical issue to overcome. But, we have the ability now! However, if we leave evolution up to nature, then I would agree with you, as it will take thousands and perhaps millions of years for the changes to occur naturally.
Hat man dir mal ins Gehirn geschissen und vergessen umzuruhren?
07-01-2008 03:07 PM
kryptik Heliman Location: South Carolina
Thanks for posting the links to the youtube clips. As I have nothing else to do but lay here loaded up on painkillers, I'll get to watch them all. I was talking about natural evolution when I said we'd destroy ourselves. I didn't realize I didn't type the rest of my thought regarding speeding up the process in a lab. Percocet is some strong stuff...
I don’t believe anyone should mess with nature like this. What will it be for someone to grow up and have the label “Genetically modified”, or “Experiment gone wrong.” I expect anyone who will be born with these changes will have serve complications.
Some greedy mofo’s with too much money will insist on doing this to line their own pockets, regardless of what crushing effects it has on the experimented.
My personal opinion on genetic engineering is: The more practice you get the better because girls with good looks and big boobs will have daughters that grow up the same if not better.
07-01-2008 03:49 PM
1stPlace Senior Heliman Location: Ohio USA
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I don’t believe anyone should mess with nature like this.
I see it a different way. As Dr. Lahn pointed out, "Genetic Engineering of our species will happen. It is not a question of "if", but "when".
Dr. Lahn has already created a new species of rodent by engineering the genes of distantly related rodents. (rodents which are less closely related than we are to chimpanzees!)
Right here in Cleveland, at Case Western Reserve (My fathers alma matter) Scientists have created super mice that live twice as long as a normal mouse, are hyperactive, and reproduce for three years, the equivalent of 80 human years!
I certainly see a net benefit to society from this research, and I hope that I live long enough to see the day that humans live well into their hundreds. That's not going to happen naturally, but with genome engineering, it can be accomplished safely.
Hat man dir mal ins Gehirn geschissen und vergessen umzuruhren?
07-01-2008 04:21 PM
Pistol_Pete Elite Veteran Location: Tampa Bay non-Buccaneer
Saw it.
Just what we need...horny mice with ADD
Imagine all those 100 years old folks just like this one
EDITED The girl that could see colors was amazing.