In the coming era of genetic modification, what do we need?

It is no exaggeration to say that the era of genetically modified humans and cloned humans has begun.
In February of this year, gene editing experiments on early embryos became legal in the UK, and several research teams are also attempting to produce genetically modified fetuses in China.
"The Age of GMO Sapiens" asks whether we are ready for the future brought about by genetic technology.
The author argues that we need to discuss this now, arguing that many people are still stuck in a state of ignorance, believing that genetic modification and cloning technologies will not directly affect them or are skeptical of their feasibility.


This book first explains why the birth of genetically modified humans has become a major issue recently and why we should be interested in it.
Next, we explore the birth of genetic modification technology, the stories of creatures that rewrote the history of genetics, and the key genetic discoveries and research that made human genetic modification and the creation of GMO sapiens possible, including human cloning. We explore how to create GMO sapiens, the future of genetics from the past to the present, and the cultural and artistic perspectives of society. We also explore recent scientific developments surrounding genetic modification technology, exploring its future and its implications for the future.
☞ Awards
- Bronze Medal in Science at the 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards

Within a few years, some scientists will attempt to create genetically modified humans.
In the field of biomedical science, science fiction is becoming reality.
There is an urgent need for more exchange of opinions and discussion about how far this technology can transform the human world.
The change could be good, bad, or a complex combination of the two.
To move in a positive direction, we need to learn about genetic modification technology and engage in discussion.
The primary goal of this book is to inform as many people as possible about the reality that genetically modified humans could appear in the near future, and to capture the scientific and social nature of that change.
--- p.12

Surprisingly, few people seem to be able to estimate how close we are to actually producing genetically modified humans.
The reason relatively few people are paying attention is because there is a lack of awareness that this startling new reality is coming.
All signs point to humanity being unprepared for this crucial turning point in history, yet genetically modified humans will become a reality within a decade.
We need to make this fascinating topic known to people and spark a lively discussion.
Personally, I think it would be better to start the discussion about this now rather than wait for the media to start talking about whether the attempt was a success or a failure.
--- p.45

Shockingly, it took British embryologist Ian Wilmut over 400 experiments to clone sheep before the first mammalian clone, Dolly the sheep, was successfully born.
It means that you have to fail 400 times to achieve one success.
This unfortunate 'byproduct' of cloning research is one of the reasons people are so nervous about human cloning.
How should we respond to failed attempts at reproductive cloning? Personally, I haven't found an ethical answer to this question. The same concerns can be raised about attempts to create GMO sapiens.
--- p.89

The absence of technical barriers does not mean that the replication process will proceed properly, or that even if it does proceed properly, it will be an easy process.
However, given my personal understanding of the entire human cloning process and the fact that three research teams have made new breakthroughs in human therapeutic cloning research, I predict that human cloning is bound to succeed.
The key ingredients for the remaining successful cloning will be indifference to the harm cloning will cause and an abundant supply of funds.
Ironically, we now know that the proposition that "human cloning is impossible" is a myth, but a decade or two ago, people argued that the proposition that "human cloning is possible" was a myth.
Today's reality is the exact opposite of the past.
--- p.100

It's wonderful that IVF is being used to treat infertility, but once the technology is developed and information about the methodology begins to spread, it's inevitable that someone will try to combine it with other techniques or use it in different ways.
In the process, it may lead to unintended or negative results, and may raise serious ethical dilemmas such as gender selection, genetic modification, and cloning.
So some people even oppose creating human embryonic stem cells from embryos left over from in vitro fertilization.
--- p.125

Creating digitally customized babies without regulation? In video games, users can create and choose the characteristics of their in-game characters, or avatars.
All you need to do is click the menu on the screen a few times.
In the future, won't you actually be able to conceive your own baby with just a few simple menu choices? It might seem unbelievable, but it feels a lot closer to reality now.
For example, although still a minority worldwide, there is a growing trend of expectant parents choosing the sex of their baby.
In some countries, such as India and China, where the preference for male children persists, the gender imbalance has reached a dangerous level.
--- p.159

We have seen the evolution of genetic engineering, from cutting and pasting genes in test tubes to manipulating bacterial genes, transforming mammalian cells, creating genetically modified plants, and even genetically modified animals.
At the same time, genome sequencing, stem cells, cloning, and assisted reproductive technologies have also been accelerating.
In other words, the table has been set for the next step, the creation of genetically modified humans in the near future.
The tools and methods already exist.
There is also a wide range of needs, from therapeutic purposes such as treating genetic diseases to human enhancement purposes such as creating smart or well-behaved children.
--- p.183

The bottom line is that creating designer babies is a risky, generational experiment, more than anything else.
Above all, those who bear the greatest risk are GMO sapiens, who, being nonexistent at the start of the experiment, cannot consent to their own production. The children and descendants of GMO sapiens will all be affected, yet no one can consent.
It is not even clear whether this dilemma regarding consent can be resolved.
--- p.212

There are other situations that are scary just thinking about them.
Gene drive technology, designed for human genetic modification, is being combined with viral technology to become a weapon.
If we were to spray people with a highly contagious substance containing a genetic drive factor, it would be tantamount to terrorism targeting all of humanity.
Such substances could spread globally like an epidemic, based on the gene drive factor and the strong transmissibility of the virus.
If people are intentionally or accidentally exposed to a genetically modified virus with a gene drive, mandatory reproductive isolation for them becomes a necessary evil.
--- p.259

Cutting-edge technology increases the possibility of cloning and genetic modification, while art and cultural perspectives provide clues about what might happen to humanity.
And like it or not, culture will adapt to the status quo.
For centuries, humanity has been fighting in various ways to gain control of human creation.
What's different now is that the technology that allows us to create humans is within our grasp, easy to use, and available everywhere.
The decisions we make today can fundamentally change the future of humanity and the world.

--- p.293