Super Powers: We've been used to reading about them in comics, like storytelling chimeras. Yet they are latent in our body, and a scientist proved it today with a controversial initiative.
George McDonald Church is a molecular biologist from Harvard University who made an important contribution to genetic research. We've already dealt with him, and today it captures our curiosity more than ever.
Super geniuses, super powers
Church created a sort of list of pros and cons for each gene capable of providing a "super power" to humans. Let's take a specific mutation in the LRP5 gene, for example: it would provide the patient with extra strong bones. At the same time, the ability to float in water would decrease.
Other changes analyzed provide greater resistance to radiation, ability to hold your breath much longer, larger muscles, slower aging, immunity to Ebola, more memory and learning ability, less anxiety.
Big powers, big risks
A list of possible "superpowers" seems like a maypole, but moving a "genetic brick" of our house in such a significant way can present a negative cost-benefit balance.
The PCSK9 gene, for example: if disabled reduces the risk of heart attack, but increases the risk of diabetes and cognitive deficits. Removing the CCR5 gene, however, increases resistance to HIV but makes you more susceptible to West Nile virus.
Curiously, Church has not commented on this work in any way: is it a reference for his research? A personal hobby? A provocation?
Either way, this list is a look at the possibilities and risks that will open up as genetic modification becomes more widespread and affordable.
In this sense it can be read in many ways. It's a warning. It is the map of a billion-dollar and emerging business. It is a glimpse into a world that will allow us to adjust the "knobs" of our organism choosing which factors to improve and which to worsen.
