Modifying Human DNA: Is It Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the possibility of modifying human DNA to create "sturdier" humans, exploring various interpretations of what "sturdy" means and the implications of such modifications. It includes considerations of genetic engineering, evolutionary biology, and the potential risks and challenges involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the definition of "sturdy" and suggests that deleting the myostatin gene could lead to increased muscle mass, referencing a specific case of a boy with a related condition.
  • Another participant proposes that incorporating genes from certain bacteria could enhance resistance to nuclear radiation, although they acknowledge significant challenges due to differences in genetic systems.
  • A different viewpoint argues that while bacterial DNA systems differ from human systems, it may still be feasible to modify human DNA with the right tools and conditions, though this is met with skepticism regarding the simplicity of the process.
  • One participant asserts that the concept of modifying DNA for sturdiness aligns with evolutionary principles but emphasizes the need for clarity on what "sturdier" means in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and implications of modifying human DNA, with no consensus reached on the methods or definitions of sturdiness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality and safety of such genetic modifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in current understanding of genetic engineering, including the complexities of gene integration and the potential risks involved in experimental modifications.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring genetic engineering, evolutionary biology, and the ethical implications of human enhancement through DNA modification.

chound
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Is it possible to modify human dna to get more sturdier humans?
 
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Depends what you mean by sturdy. If you delete the myostatin gene, you'll get extremely muscular.. look at this bull http://www.t-nation.com/img/photos/195bbpic.jpg

But it's an unhealthy condition since muscle growth is not properly controlled anymore in the body. Recently a boy was indentified with the condition http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5278028/
 
Some bacterium have around 1 million rads, (I know this sound crazy but) so if we include that gene in our dna can we become more resistant to nuclear warfare?
 
Smone one please answer
 
That is resistant to up to 1000 rads, i think i answered this,
on this particular case i think it is impossible to include the DNA of that bacteria. Thats because they use a completely different system than humans do, see things like horses and gorillas may be possible as they are based around the same system.
So with this type of bacteria no, but yes i guess you could make them more sturdier, but a lot of people would die in the testing before it ever worked i think. We don't know enough at the moment, it isn't as simple as grabbing a segment from here and inserting it here.
 
Um, sometimes it sort of is. ANd it shocks people all the time. And while it is true that the Bacterial DNA decoding system is different to eukaryotic system, it is still the same code, you just need to put the right precursors in and promotors, and take care of any possible splicing issues, make sure we have the right protein folding tools so that the final protein product takes the correct form, and it should work out.
 
chound said:
Is it possible to modify human dna to get more sturdier humans?

Certainly. That's the whole deal with evolution. Question is...sturdier in relation to what?
 

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