Can we genetically improve humans using George Church’s f...

What’s Happening

Okay so Columnist Michael Le Page delves into a catalogue of hundreds of potentially beneficial gene mutations and variants that is popular with transhumanists Columnist and Life Can we genetically improve humans using George Church’s famous list?

And why should only the smart have access to smart genes? Our goal is to give as many people as possible the opportunity to choose their genes for themselves (and their descendants) rather than simply accept inherited genetic inequality. (yes, really)

Because genetics shouldn’t be a lottery.

The Details

” That’s the pitch of Bootstrap Bio , a start-up openly aiming to one day offer would-be parents the chance to genetically enhance their children. Id say the children of anyone who could afford such a service will have already clutched life’s lottery, but the more immediate question is: could we fr genetically enhance our children if we wanted to?

The real scientific insights from Bryan Johnson’s immortality quest To get a sense of what might be possible, I kicked off with the list of “protective and enhancing” gene variants maintained by biologist George Church at Harvard University. When I asked Church what the list is for, he told me he kicked off it as an answer to questions that came up while giving lectures, ranging from whether all rare gene variants are harmful, to what kinds of genetic enhancements might be possible.

Why This Matters

The list is popular with transhumanists who want to use genetic engineering to create superhumans. So, let’s take a look at what’s on it. Would you fr want extra fingers?

This could have implications for future research in this area.

The Bottom Line

Would you fr want extra fingers? The list is rather a mixed bag.

What’s your take on this whole situation?