DNA: In the Next 50 Years, What Will We Do with Our Genetic Knowledge?

On the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA's structure, we face the implications of our genetic research. The World Transhumanist Association believes that we should use our genetic knowledge to improve ourselves.

WILLINGTON, Ct., January 20, 2003 -- On February 28, 1953 Francis Crick walked into an English pub to announce that he and James Watson had discovered the secret of life.

Almost 50 years after Watson and Crick made their discovery -- determining the structure of DNA -- the question remains: What will we do with our genetic knowledge?

In a year when many will celebrate Watson and Crick's discovery, the World Transhumanist Association (http://www.transhumanism.org) has an answer: Humans should use it to improve themselves.

"We are half-baked. Humanity in its current form is a promising beginning, but clearly not the final word. We get sick, we age, we have relatively feeble intellects and we don't always feel as well as we would wish," says WTA Chair Nick Bostrom. "Thanks to genetic engineering and other anticipated capabilities such as nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, we will be able to finish the job that evolution started, and attain unprecedented levels of human flourishing."

The WTA is not alone in advocating this position. Watson himself has spoken out on the need for more aggressive application of genetic technologies. "If we could make better human beings by knowing how to add genes, why shouldn't we do it?" Watson has asked. "We shouldn't just accept things that are incurable. I just think, 'What would make someone else's life better?' And if we can help without too much risk, we've got to go ahead."

The discovery of DNA's structure allowed for the Human Genome Project, which mapped the human genetic code. Researchers are now working to determine each gene's responsibility, as well as to relate diseases with genetic mutations.

According to Gregory Stock, author of Redesigning Humans: Our Inevitable Genetic Future, this work will lead to techniques and technologies that within 10 to 15 years allow us to alter our biology. We can then begin to "write a new page in the history of life, allowing us to seize control of our evolutionary future," writes Stock.

But the promise of genetic technology can only be realized with wider public awareness of its potential to prevent the public backlash that commonly confronts new science. Watson has expressed concern about society being too scared to make people as good as possible, and his fears are shared.

"The sensational Raelian cloning claims and the recent suspension of gene therapy experiments after research subjects developed leukemia highlight the challenges that lay ahead," says WTA Secretary James Hughes. "There will be setbacks and the public's panic buttons will be pushed by Luddite opportunists. So the Transhumanist movement is essential to the future of genetic research. Only the Transhumanists explicitly defend humanity's right to take control of evolution through free individual choices among technologies that have been shown to be safe and effective."

The WTA is committed to communicating the benefits and potential of genetic technology, and will make leading forward-thinking philosophers, ethicists and scientists around the world available to journalists upon request.

Journalists may also be interested in attending Transvision 2003 (http://www.transhumanism.org/tv/2003usa/) at Yale University this summer, a WTA conference that will include talks on genetic engineering, including one by Gregory Stock.

ABOUT THE WORLD TRANSHUMANIST ASSOCIATION

The World Transhumanist Association is a nonprofit membership organization that works to promote discussion of the possibilities for radical improvement of human capacities using technology. Transhumanism is concerned with ethically expanding technological opportunities for all people to live longer and healthier lives and to enhance their intellectual, physical and emotional capacities.

WEBSITE

http://www.transhumanism.org

CONTACTS

Nick Bostrom, Chair, World Transhumanist Association; Research Fellow, Oxford University:
nick@nickbostrom.com or (+44) 7798-74-42-42.

James Hughes, Secretary, World Transhumanist Association; Associate Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Trinity College: jhughes@changesurfer.com.

Simon Smith, Director of Public Relations, World Transhumanist Association: simon@betterhumans.com or +1-416-738-6058

For a World Transhumanist Association contact near you, please email or call Simon Smith.