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1. • CommentAuthorKosmopolit
   • CommentTimeNov 14th 2009

    (7194.41)
   If not for the ethical barriers, it'd probably be possible right now to create someone who's effectively superhuman:
   
   1. Additional copies of the telomerase gene to extend life expectancy.
   
   2. Delete the Myostatin gene to promote extreme physical strength
   
   3. Copy the genetic mutation found in mole rats that prevents cancer
   
   4. Additional copies of the gene recently found in mice that correlates with memory and IQ.
2. •  
     CommentAuthorNygaard
   • CommentTimeNov 14th 2009

    (7194.42)
   I really like garlic mayonnaise; but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to combine it with strawberry jam. I suspect just squashing all those changes in there would have too many unexpected side effects to count, most of which would simply produce an unviable lump of cells. Of course, with the present state of the art of gene-cracking, the only way to find out is to try it.
   
   Come to think of it, why haven't we?
3. •  
     CommentAuthorRootfireember
   • CommentTimeNov 16th 2009

    (7194.43)
   A new Human/Chimp Gene Comparrison
   

   The target of Geschwind’s analysis was FOXP2, a gene that rose to scientific prominence during the study of a London-based family afflicted by hereditary speech disorders. Of the extended family’s 30 members, one-half have severe linguistic deficiencies, as well as a FOXP2 mutation. Those who don’t have the mutation are able to speak normally.