Ideas that previously appeared like science fiction are quickly becoming a reality as genome editing technology advances.
A top authority in human gene engineering has now issued a warning about the potential consequences of failing to regulate these technologies.
Scientists will soon be able to combine the genes of various animals and humans to create “chimaeras,” such as monkeys with human genes or half-rat-half-mouse hybrids.
However, if restrictions aren’t put on research, scientists might eventually be able to develop new, improved species—even human types—instead of just mixing existing animals.
This implies that future humans and animals may have significantly increased intelligence, strong new senses, and unusually accelerated growth.