Jamie Metzl: Hacking Darwin Summary
Science Fiction has always offered us a glimpse of hope concerning future medicine and what might be possible 20, 30, or even 50 years in the future.
However, with our current use of advanced technology, the length of time between what is and what could be in the future is ever-shrinking.
Imagine, 15 years from now, medicine could reduce the chances of a child developing Alzheimer’s disease, or even certain types of cancer or heart disease later in life.
You might even be able to choose traits to enhance, which would influence height, IQ, and personality traits.
In Jamie Metzl’s book, “Hacking Darwin,” Jamie lays out these possibilities and how they can be attained within the next two decades.
- Audible Audiobook
- Jamie Metzl (Author) – Eric Martin (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/23/2019 (Publication Date) – HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books (Publisher)
There are three critical lessons within Metzl’s book, and they include:
- Thanks to AI and big data analytics, our biology is becoming another form of information technology.
- Rapid developments in genetic engineering suggest a future in which scientists can edit, engineer, and create life.
- The competition will drive the genetic revolution forward
Lesson 1: Biology is becoming another form of information technology
Each person’s genetic code is made up of DNA molecules, of which there are four different types, which are called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains one molecule from the mother and one molecule from the father. However, they are sequenced differently within each person, which is what makes each person unique. This is known as our genetic code.
Each person usually has 23 pairs, which instructs the cells in our body to form in specific ways, including things like eye, hair, and skin color.
In the 1970s, scientists started using machines to help crack the code on how the genetic coding worked. Since this time, this process continues to become more automated and efficient, allowing scientists to collect more data than ever.
With this new amount of data, Scientists now have to make sense of all of the data they are collecting. As more big-data analytics companies become involved in the human genome field, they are hoping they can identify how specific genes operate and further our understanding.
Lesson 2: A future where scientists can edit, engineer and create life
One of the ways a couple can have a child currently is through Embryo Selection, which allows parents to select their future child based on the genetic makeup.
With technology speeding up our processes, it is possible shortly that a parent can not only choose the Embryo but can also manipulate the genetic code of the embryo.
There are a few examples where scientists were able to edit a gene and alter it to prevent future diseases, like heart disease and severe blood disorders.
Scientists have also been able to use this technology to alter other living organisms, like changing a purple flower and turning it white. This gene-editing has also had some initial positive results concerning cancer and having more patients than not go into remission.
Very soon, scientists suggest that parents could even write the genetic code for their children, giving them abilities that no one currently has. This includes the ability to choose a skin color which doesn’t now exist, or having eyesight like an eagle, or even having heat-resistant skin.
Lesson 3: Competition will drive the genetic revolution forward
Whether it is in sports or business or any other area of life, every country wants to have the best people. With the power to genetically alter each person before they are born, states are recognizing they can screen people based upon genetic sequencing.
Global power is what is driving the genetic coding race. Countries that choose not to participate in some form of genetic engineering will risk falling behind. The nations who opt-in could have people who are smarter, taller, and even more resilient to climate changes.
Some countries might even use this technology to help build a superior army.
Genetic engineering seems like it will shape our future.. With this being the case, people have to decide what their ethical responsibility is to ensure we prevent the global power struggle over genetic coding leading to a worst-case scenario.
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a Swedish university student, marketing professional, and life-long learner. Here at BookSummaryClub I summarize my favorite non-fiction books into easily digested posts. Hope you like what you’re reading!
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