Guided Evolution Second Installment

            

            To determine whether or not we should affect evolution’s path, we must understand the methods behind the ability to progress the evolution of our species. Genetic editing is one possible method of advancing human evolution. When we are finally able to conduct this method in our own species, we can ensure that our offspring do not have to endure problematic health issues. Yet, even with gene editing in the traditional sense, we would need a method to ensure that once we edit a trait that is initially unfavorable into one that is favorable this trait can be passed on to future generations. One popular gene editing tool is CRISPR-Cas9, which was invented by Jennifer Doudnaand Emmanuelle Charpentier to edit genomes. CRISPR is essentially a protein which allows scientists to cut DNA and replace it with new DNA. This method was tested recently with mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite. While CRISPR-Cas9 not yet been implemented in humans, this method is currently being used in plants and animals. While the scientists could change the DNA of the mosquitoes they directly altered, they still had the issue of if this new gene would be favored in natural selection. However, scientist Kevin Esvelt managed to come up with the possibility of a gene drive which ensures that certain traits are passed to subsequent generations within the species. We could potentially use this to combat illnesses we carry genes for; not only for ourselves or our children and their children, but as a method of evolution for our entire species. We can also ensure that organisms who pass deadly diseases, such as malaria in mosquitoes, can have their genomes permanently edited in order to prevent those from ever being an issue in the future.

            However, the issue with this method is that some species can interbreed. For example, if we want to get rid of an invasive species, it is not always guaranteed that we will only affect that particular species; we could end up accidentally wiping out other species than the targeted species. This also presents a problem as to whether or not we should subject these invasive species to extinction. There are approximately 4,300 species that have been considered invasive. Should all of these species be subject to human-guided extinction? There also lies the issue of at what point would we stop gene editing and what would the regulations be? While the initial concern for gene editing is to prevent certain diseases from being passed on within our species. However, at what point do we suggest is too far? Before we begin the process of editing the human genome, we need to consider the regulations of this technology.

            Some scientists also speculate using such methods to evolve humanity not only for life on Earth but also life elsewhere. Assuming we as a species don’t allow our planet to deteriorate any further than it already has or that no natural disasters hit Earth which cause a mass extinction of humans, we have about 4 billion years left before our sun becomes a subgiant star, in which the star will expand, and Earth will be orbiting within the sun. While this seems to be a long time for our generation, this means that if we find no alternative as a species, that will be our extinction. Therefore, our only hope of surviving as a species, so long as we last that long to begin with, is by genetically modifying our species to handle conditions outside of Earth. While it may seem as though Earth is special and the only possible place where life can exist, this might not be the case. There are billions of stars and for each star, there exists the likelihood of there being a planet which orbits that star. While not all planets are guaranteed to be habitable, we may one day have access to the technology which allows us to one day adapt to more extreme environments. Perhaps we will find these answers through certain traits within bacteria who can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures and elevated levels of radiation. Perhaps it is our duty as a species to speed up our evolution so that we can, eventually, see and be a part of other parts of our universe.

            One issue with this, however, is we have to ensure that humanity will survive long enough for these gene edits to be useful. Another issue is perhaps our knowledge of the conditions for other places in the universe. With the possibility of using gene editing technology for traveling to other places within our solar system and our galaxy, we need to consider the potential dangers for this technology. Perhaps we believe we understand at what point humans need to be modified in order to survive on other planets; but what if we were wrong? If we send humans out to other places believing they are prepared for these different kinds of environments and they are in fact not modified enough, we could be putting those people in danger.

My first installment can be found here.