Topic genetics
Cloning The First Human
401 views
Ever since February 1997, when genetic scientists first unveiled 'Dolly' the cloned sheep, has genetic engineering pushed towards the desire to clone and genetically modify human beings. Since then, cloned cattle, pigs, goats and mice have been produced amongst other things, fuelling the belief that humans can be next. But what are the problems with this manipulation? Cloning The First Human follows the latest research, which not only shows complications from an ethical position, but much more dangerous ones too...
Who’s Afraid of Designer Babies?
402 views
After many experiments with cloning and genetically manipulation on other species, technology and genetic science is now turning to the frontier of the human. Every parent wants their child to be healthy, but does this extend to picking their genes for them? What about those who are unable to have children naturally for whatever reason, who turn to artificial insemination or genetic modification? Is this designing children? What are the repercussions in a world dominated by genetically modified people? Will we evolve into a new species and transcend our history to one of inclusion and harmony? Or, will we simply end up in a world that is further divided -- by genetic apartheid?
Age of Transitions
2.17K views
Transhumanists claim a beautiful and apparently now-not-so-distant utopian future made possible by artificial intelligence, life extension and cybernetic technologies. But upon examining the convergence of these technologies and the history behind them, Age Of Transitions details how this movement of "transcending human limits" was born out of pseudo-science eugenics, and what the implications are for a world divided by the have's and have-not's.
The Future of Food
1.14K views
"The Future of Food distils the complex technology and key regulatory, legal, ethical, environmental and consumer issues surrounding the troubling changes happening in the food system today — genetically engineered foods, patenting, and the corporate takeover of food. In 2010 as we take note of where we stand and look toward the future, the issues raised in The Future of Food are more pressing than ever. The corporate control of agriculture and the seed supply is meeting more and more resistance all around the world"...
Technocalyps
7.24K views
Are we prepared for dealing with the prospect that humanity is not the end of evolution? The latest findings in genetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, bionics and nanotechnology appear in the media every day, but almost no analysis is found of their common aim -- to exceed human “limitations” and capability. Literally to transcend humanity, or transhumanism. This three part series covers the notion of transhumanism and conducts enquiry into the scientific, ethical and metaphysical dimensions of such a technological development...
David vs Monsanto
2.06K views
Imagine that a storm blows across your garden - and that now, without your knowledge and without your consent, foreign and genetically-manipulated seeds are in your vegetable patch which you have nourished and maintained for over 50 years. A few days later, representatives of a large multi-national corporation secretly visit your home, only to return later and demand that you surrender all your vegetables and seeds. Then, they file a lawsuit against you for the illegal use of patented and genetically-modified seeds that you never planted or used and, what's more -- the court rules in favour of the corporation...
Patently A Problem
562 views
The human genome is being privatised. Another corporate takeover. The genetic sequences that make up you and me are being patented and one Australian company, a hot item on the stock market, is aggressively enforcing a suite of patents that affect an extraordinary 95 percent of every living creature's DNA. The company claims most laboratories around the world are infringing its patents -- nature itself included -- and the company is now trying to charge licence fees for this...
Nanotechnology, Nanotopia
800 views
Nanotechnology has the potential to create many new materials and devices with a vast range of applications -- such as in medicine, electronics or energy production for example. On the other hand, nanotechnology raises many of the same issues as with any introduction of new technology, including concerns about toxicity and the impact on the environment. The difference in this case being that nanomaterials are in use in products and industry right now and these concerns are seemingly going unaddressed...
The Biotech Revolution
849 views
The vast majority of scientists working in genetics and biotechnology repeatedly promise "unprecedented health benefits and longevity for all", amongst other things, while justifying their work in the "biotechnology revolution". But isn't this "revolution" simply the prospect of a Frankenstein-style future that is dominated by genetically modified people? Will we evolve into a new species and transcend our history to one of inclusion and harmony? Or, will we simply end up in a world that is further divided -- by genetic apartheid?