The Hydrogen Bomb of Biology

Some thoughts on the gene drives

19 August 2014

Louis L. Brossard

With knowledge comes power. With the invention of gun powder the differences in physical size and strength were mitigated. The small man with cunning and a gun, good eye sight and excellent hand eye coordination could prevail over a large man with no gun. As mankind became more able to manipulate nature with the growing knowledge of the physical sciences we became able to manipulate nature to our desires. The progression of this increased power over our physical world eventually led to the development of the ability to obliterate all of civilization with a massive number of hydrogen bombs manufactured. This happened through our knowledge of physics and chemistry.

Now we have rapid and ubiquitous advances in biology. Just as in physics and chemistry, we now are beginning to understand the fundamentals of biology. Before now the main advances in medicine were in mechanical engineering. The surgeons ruled the practice of medicine. They have become so skilled that the successful transplant of body parts from the dead to the living is common among the developed countries of the world. We could do this with knowledge of blood circulation and how to control the pain and traumatic shock. The first is a mechanical process. The second is the result of trial and error rather than a fundamental understanding of brain function.

We are now beginning to understand the underlying processes of life. While this is happening across all fields of biology the most rapid progress is in the understanding of the genetic basis of life.

Now the understanding of gene drives opens up the hydrogen bomb of biology. It will now be a simple task to fundamentally change the nature of sexually reproducing organisms. The first major test of this technique will likely be the malaria carrying mosquito. Within the next few years it is probable that that mosquito will be engineered out of existence. This will save thousands of human lives and a great deal of human suffering. It will inevitably have many unintended consequences.

All of science recognized the immense danger of manipulating life while still so ignorant of all the ramifications that entails. There are efforts to develop governing principles but while all agree there is need for such oversight there is no agreement which entity should be in control. The government has repeatedly demonstrated its inability to rule with reason. Ideally it should be an international scientific body devoid of political interference.

For additional information of gene drives please see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_drive

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2014/07/17/gene-drives-crispr-could-revolutionize-ecosystem-management/