Toni-Ann Bryson, Contributor
IMAGINE the power to transform yourself from a dim-witted type to a reincarnation of Einstein just in time for that examination.
Or, how about having a body like Tyra Banks? This could all become a reality considering the progress in genome sequencing technology. Rapid advances in the science of human genetics promise to revolutionise biological research and clinical medicine.
What is a genome, you ask? This is all the DNA in an organism, including its genes. Genes carry the information which determines how the organism looks, how well its body metabolises, fights infection and even how it behaves among other things. Some practical benefits derived from knowledge of the mystery of DNA can lead to new ways to diagnose, treat and some day prevent thousands of health problems that affect us.
However, there is one problem. Will this new genetic information affect moral matters and our legal and social freedom? Granted, it may someday be used to treat, cure or prevent genetic disorders by either removing or adding certain genetic material. (Undoubtedly, in time, this will, for some persons, be better than 'chicken pills!')
Genetic enhancement can also serve to improve the lifestyle of teens. Your children can be made taller and slimmer!
There is a possibility too, that this new technology could enable you to raise your IQ with the addition "of a smart gene".
Although this may seem wonderful on the surface, think of the draw-backs. These procedures must be directed by policy. We must ask: "What is normal and what is a disability or disorder and who decides?"
Furthermore, if increasing your height or your IQ became common practice, wouldn't it adversely affect the diversity of the human gene pool? Very soon everyone will be genetically similar and this can result in a race of human mongoloids.
With this in mind, we must question if the benefits of such technology will be able to outweigh the onslaught of the negative. Even worse, is humanity equipped to contain these creations once they have been unleashed? The future seems uncertain.
Toni-Ann Bryson is one of six teenagers whose opinions will appear in this spot each week. Send your feedback to features@gleanerjm, or fax to 922-6223. You may also write c/o Outlook Magazine, 7 North Street, Kingston.
