Humans will be genetically modified for the first time in Europe after regulators have given the go ahead to trial DNA-splicing therapy.
A destructive blood disorder known as beta thalassaemia, which reduces the production of haemoglobin, could be cured using this therapy.
Haemoglobin carries the oxygen the body needs to its cells and without sufficient amounts those with the disease can be left with bone deformities, anaemia, slow growth, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Scientists at the biotech company Crispr hope that they can alter the body’s code to stop the genetic mutation and restore healthy levels of haemoglobin.
Elon Musk, the founder of Space X, says humanity must colonize Mars so that our survival is insured after the onslaught of a third world war. Amid rising nuclear tension, humans must make the colonization of Mars a priority, says Musk.
According to The Guardian, Musk believes getting to the Red Planet should be at the top of humanity’s to do list. “If there’s a third world war we want to make sure there’s enough of a seed of human civilization somewhere else to bring it back and shorten the length of the dark ages,” Musk said, responding to questions from his friend Jonah Nolan, co-creator of TV show Westworld. “It’s important to get a self-sustaining base on Mars because it’s far enough away from Earth that [in the event of a war] it’s more likely to survive than a moon base,” Musk said on stage at SXSW, just days after Donald Trump announced plans to meet the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un, in an attempt to defuse rising nuclear tension.
Space X is currently working on a vehicle that will take humans to Mars in a 100-meter ship codenamed the BFR (Big F**king Rocket). But building a colony would require “tremendous entrepreneurial resources”, Musk said. He also suggested that Mars may be an “escape hatch for rich people.”He said, “It will be like Shackleton’s ad for Antarctic explorers: ‘Difficult, dangerous, a good chance you’ll die, excitement for those who survive.’ That kind of thing.”
He also said those risks may outweigh the rewards. “There’s not many people who will want to go in the beginning,” he said, adding that over time the Red Planet colony would be hospitable and have “great bars. The Mars Bar! I love dad jokes, I’m a dad!”
The BFR will fly for the first time in the first half of 2019, Musk said, acknowledging that his “timelines historically have been optimistic”. Musk said he initially gave SpaceX and Tesla an estimated likelihood of success of just 10 %. “I wouldn’t let my friends invest because I didn’t want them to lose their money,” he said of SpaceX. Instead, he funneled his own money, from the sale of PayPal, into the businesses. “SpaceX is alive by the skin of its teeth. So is Tesla. If things had gone a little bit the other way, both companies would be dead.”
But Musk also had a warning for humanity. “Mark my words,” he said, “AI is much more dangerous than nukes.”
Deer across North America have been dying from a disease which attacks their nervous system gradually destroying it. And now scientists are concerned that this brain-wasting “zombie disease” could spread to humans.
Chronic wasting disease, or “zombie deer disease,” was first observed in 1967 in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has since infected wild herds in 24 states and Canada, as well as in South Korea and Norway, NPRreported. “CWD passes from animal to animal through prions, misfolded proteins that cause other proteins to misfold around them,” NPR reported. “Different prion diseases tend to only harm certain species, but can evolve to overcome those limitations.”
In some herds, as many as half of the animals carry prions. But direct contact isn’t the only way prions are transmitted. According to the New York Times, sick animals and cadavers can spread prions through plants and soil, which could be coated with deformed proteins for years, perhaps even decades. An animal infected with the disease can live for up to two years before showing any signs of symptoms, such as a vacant stare, thick saliva, exposed ribs, or drooping heads.
There have been no reported human illnesses due to the disease, and scientists don’t have conclusive evidence that the infected meat has ever harmed people, suggesting a “species barrier” between humans and deer.
“While most research shows there’s a robust species barrier, this recent study showed that barrier might not be quite as robust as we once thought,” Matt Dunfee, head of the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliancein Fort Collins, Colorado, told NPR. Researchers led by Mark Zabel, associate director at Colorado State University’s Prion Research Center, found that macaque monkeys who ate infected deer contracted the disease. This is the first time the disease was shown to spread to a primate through the ingestion of infected meat.
Zabel and his team also found that the prions involved in the “zombie disease,” which scientists have only known about for 50 years, are probably still evolving, “which leads us to believe it’s only a matter of time before a prion emerges that can spread to humans,”NPRreported.
Mad Cow disease, for example, is a prion disease that rooted from scrapie, a deadly disease that afflicts sheep. Once the prions were passed to cows, the cows developed a prion disease of their own (mad cow disease). And when humans ate the beef from those sick cows, they developed prions in their own brains. As of 2016, according to the Food and Drug Administration, 231 people had died from the condition. -AJC
In an interview with The New York Times, Zabel said he believes the only way to stop CWD is by utilizing controlled burns. “There’s a lot that we still don’t know and don’t understand about the disease,” Zabel also said.
Dunfee told NPR, “if you are hunting in an area where CWD is found, have your animal tested. If it comes back positive, don’t eat the meat.”
Lab-grown mosquitoes armed with bacterium Wolbachia pipientis have just been approved by the EPA. The agency is saying that these mosquitoes could be the key to killing off insects that often transmit dangerous viruses such as Zika.
Nothing can go wrong, right? The government would never do that to us. Famous last words, but nonetheless, the created mosquitoes are very real! Mosquitoes are annoying the way it is, and adding the Zika virus has been exactly no fun for anyone. But is it worth infecting mosquitoes with bacteria in order to help stop the Zika virus? The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says “yes.”
On November 3, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a new approach from the biotech company MosquitoMate. The goal is to destroy populations of wild mosquitoes that could be carrying nasty viruses, according to a report from Nature magazine. –CNET
MosquitoMate infects lab-grown mosquitoes with the common bacterium Wolbachia pipientis, which affects mosquitoes but they claim, it does not affect not animals or humans. They chose to infect lab-grown mosquitoes over genetic modification, although the reason for this decision is not yet known. MosquitoMate will release these insects in 20 states (which include Washington D.C., and Kentucky) this summer.
The Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes (which don’t bite) mate with the wild populations of female Asian tiger mosquitoes (which do bite). The eggs fertilized by MosquitoMate’s male mosquitoes won’t hatch because the paternal chromosomes don’t form properly due to the effects of the bacterium.
But the process to create these mosquitoes is time-consuming, and millions must be made and infected for the insects to do their job, and make a dent in the Zika virus.
MosquitoMate hopes its GMO-free solution to destroying deadly mosquitoes will earn the praise from those of us who want a more natural way keeping mosquitoes that could end up making us sick out of our yards. “Unlike traditional mosquito control, we don’t show up after you have a problem,” according to MosquitoMate’s FAQ. “By acting proactively, your population of Asian Tiger mosquitoes will not reach a nuisance level.”
Let’s just hope they are right that the bacterium being used is not harmful to humans or animals…
The lead author of a widely circulating report states that the goal is to transplant some of these genetically modified humans into a mother with the goal of establishing a viable pregnancy. The children would then be monitored, should they make it full term, to see how they progress as part of our human community.
Lead author, Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University told reporters that this is very real, though the genetically modified embryo started as a mere rumor. It was thought that a Beijing-recruited scientist was working at Harvard using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit out genes in a human embryo to create the “perfect baby.”
Only – who will ultimately decide which genes to edit, and which to keep? Scientists only recently admitted that they have no idea what more than 75 percent of our genes even do – so what risks will they take as they edit and transplant embryotic human genes to their own design?
What Could Go Wrong with Cut and Paste Gene Editing?
As is often the case, scientific progress is given a Hail Mary pass before the long-term ramifications of scientific actions are mindfully considered. This is especially so in the genetic tinkering of human genes, yet a Chinese group from Sun Yat-sen University has reported that they have, in fact, created the first genetically-modified human embryo.
Now, MIT technology Review asserts the same efforts have been accomplished on American soil. Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University, along with his peers, changed the DNA of many one-cell embryos with the gene-editing technique CRISPR, resulting in a viable, GM human embryo.
READ MOREHouse Judiciary Committee asks for second special prosecutor to investigate Clinton-Comey-Lynch
None of the embryos were allowed to develop for more than a few days, and Mitalipov asserts that originally, none were meant for transplant into a mother to go full-term. Yet, that is exactly what scientists are planning.
Designer Babies, or Designed to Die?
Conceivably, we could end up with “designer babies” with genes edited for certain characteristics, and the lack of certain diseases.
The process used to create GM embryos is called “germline engineering” – it can genetically modify a child who would then pass the changes on to subsequent generations via their own germ cells—the egg and sperm. So, the long-term implications are quite astounding.
Here are a few unsavory scenarios that could play out:
Racial, gender, age, and other bias could affect the genealogical traits passed down to our children, thereby homogenizing future generations to a point of genetic sterility.
Preferred behaviors by the scientific and technological oligarchy, such as compliance or limited intelligence could be favored in a gene sequencing over rebelliousness and creativity – traits that benefit society should we wish to continue as a free race.
Unwanted, but misunderstood gene markers could be edited which result in the reverse evolution of our species. For example, autism is widely considered a “condition,” as is Williams Syndrome, but these may be nature’s advances of our race, which our biome is learning how to integrate – to be more intelligent and loving. If either of these genes was targeted and removed, our capacity to be both more cognitively astute and to love unconditionally could be hampered significantly.
We could unwittingly tamper with the natural evolution of our species in ways that we don’t even understand with our limited awareness of the environmental and energetic influences currently acting upon our genome.
READ MOREPolice Stand By As Mob Attacks Jason Kessler During Charlottesville Press Conference
Though CRISPR is touted as the next medical miracle, keep in mind that almost every technology created by the technocracy to date has been weaponized to control the masses. Genetic babies are likely no different, but can we stop this urgent, scientific “progress”?
“Fifty years is ample time in which to change a world and its people almost beyond recognition. All that is required for the task are a sound knowledge of social engineering, a clear sight of the intended goal – and power.” – Arthur C. Clarke
Nathaniel Mauka is a researcher of the dark side of government and exopolitics, and a staff writer for Waking Times.
The lead author of a widely circulating report states that the goal is to transplant some of these genetically modified humans into a mother with the goal of establishing a viable pregnancy. The children would then be monitored, should they make it full term, to see how they progress as part of our human community.
Lead author, Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University told reporters that this is very real, though the genetically modified embryo started as a mere rumor. It was thought that a Beijing-recruited scientist was working at Harvard using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit out genes in a human embryo to create the “perfect baby.”
Only – who will ultimately decide which genes to edit, and which to keep? Scientists only recently admitted that they have no idea what more than 75 percent of our genes even do – so what risks will they take as they edit and transplant embryotic human genes to their own design?
What Could Go Wrong with Cut and Paste Gene Editing?
As is often the case, scientific progress is given a Hail Mary pass before the long-term ramifications of scientific actions are mindfully considered. This is especially so in the genetic tinkering of human genes, yet a Chinese group from Sun Yat-sen University has reported that they have, in fact, created the first genetically-modified human embryo.
Now, MIT technology Review asserts the same efforts have been accomplished on American soil. Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University, along with his peers, changed the DNA of many one-cell embryos with the gene-editing technique CRISPR, resulting in a viable, GM human embryo.
READ MOREHouse Judiciary Committee asks for second special prosecutor to investigate Clinton-Comey-Lynch
None of the embryos were allowed to develop for more than a few days, and Mitalipov asserts that originally, none were meant for transplant into a mother to go full-term. Yet, that is exactly what scientists are planning.
Designer Babies, or Designed to Die?
Conceivably, we could end up with “designer babies” with genes edited for certain characteristics, and the lack of certain diseases.
The process used to create GM embryos is called “germline engineering” – it can genetically modify a child who would then pass the changes on to subsequent generations via their own germ cells—the egg and sperm. So, the long-term implications are quite astounding.
Here are a few unsavory scenarios that could play out:
Racial, gender, age, and other bias could affect the genealogical traits passed down to our children, thereby homogenizing future generations to a point of genetic sterility.
Preferred behaviors by the scientific and technological oligarchy, such as compliance or limited intelligence could be favored in a gene sequencing over rebelliousness and creativity – traits that benefit society should we wish to continue as a free race.
Unwanted, but misunderstood gene markers could be edited which result in the reverse evolution of our species. For example, autism is widely considered a “condition,” as is Williams Syndrome, but these may be nature’s advances of our race, which our biome is learning how to integrate – to be more intelligent and loving. If either of these genes was targeted and removed, our capacity to be both more cognitively astute and to love unconditionally could be hampered significantly.
We could unwittingly tamper with the natural evolution of our species in ways that we don’t even understand with our limited awareness of the environmental and energetic influences currently acting upon our genome.
READ MOREPolice Stand By As Mob Attacks Jason Kessler During Charlottesville Press Conference
Though CRISPR is touted as the next medical miracle, keep in mind that almost every technology created by the technocracy to date has been weaponized to control the masses. Genetic babies are likely no different, but can we stop this urgent, scientific “progress”?
“Fifty years is ample time in which to change a world and its people almost beyond recognition. All that is required for the task are a sound knowledge of social engineering, a clear sight of the intended goal – and power.” – Arthur C. Clarke
Nathaniel Mauka is a researcher of the dark side of government and exopolitics, and a staff writer for Waking Times.
(INTELLIHUB) — Host of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Joe Rogan himself, recently discussed, wargamed, with his guest if artificial intelligence will one day destroy humankind.
Rogan said that once a robot becomes “sentient” it could “rewire” itself to become far more advanced than humans in a short amount of time, which Rogan fears could be dangerous.
In this News Shot, Joe discusses a new study that claims “biological annihilation” of wildlife in recent decades means a sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history is underway and is more severe than previously feared.
Technological singularity – humans becoming one with computers – will morph us into “super humans” by the year 2029. Fake news? A new science fiction novel? TV show? Nope. It’s a prediction made by Google’s Director of Engineering, Ray Kurzweil. He’s made 147 predictions since the 1990’s, and he has an 86% success rate. [1]
Source: International Business Times
A few of Kurzweil’s predictions that came true:
In 1999, Kurzweil predicted that “personal computers are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, and are commonly embedded in clothing and jewelry such as wristwatches, rings, earrings and other body ornaments” by 2009.
Also in 1999, Kurzweil foresaw that “individuals primarily use portable computers” by 2009.
In 2000, Kurzweil said that by 2010, “[Computers] will tap into the worldwide mesh of high-speed communications and computational resources.” [2]
Many of Kurzweil’s technology predictions didn’t come to pass, but he has a pretty good track record.
According to Kurzweil, we live in a cybernetic society and we will eventually have computers in our brains, and machines will be more intelligent than humans. And, he says, it’s already happening. He points to people’s addictions to their smartphones as proof, and believes that wiring this technology into our brains will be the next step in the progression. [1]
The scientific explanation of “singularity” is when carbon and silicon-based intelligence will merge to form a single global consciousness.
Kurzweil says:
“By 2029, computers will have human-level intelligence. That leads to computers having human intelligence, our putting them inside our brains, connecting them to the cloud, expanding who we are.
Today, that’s not just a future scenario. It’s here, in part, and it’s going to accelerate.” [1]
This might sound like a frightening scenario to you or me, but Kurzweil sees this as a positive thing that will only make us better humans.
“We’re going to get more neocortex, we’re going to be funnier, we’re going to be better at music. We’re going to be sexier. We’re really going to exemplify all the things that we value in humans to a greater degree.” [1]
Kurzweil’s AI vision occurs nearer in the future than those of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son. Hawking has said he believes singularity may occur by 2045, and Son has said he thinks we’ll have computers in our brains in the next 30 years. [3]
At an October press conference discussing details of his upcoming $100 billion investment fund, Son said:
“I think a big paradigm shift is coming. The biggest theme in my view is the Singularity. I think it is coming into reality in the next 30 years. For that vision, I am exercising that strategy. $100 billion is an interesting size of ammunition. In my view, that is the beginning. My passion is bigger than many people think.” [3]
But billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, of SpaceX and Tesla fame, is terrified that AI will be the end of humanity, and warns that people might one day be ruled by robots. Musk believes artificial intelligence could be a bigger threat than nuclear weapons, and has likened improving AI to “summoning the demon.” If humans don’t merge with machines, Musk warns, they will become irrelevant. [4]
Source: Daily Mail
Stephen Hawking shares similar concerns. He once wrote:
“If a superior alien civilisation sent us a message saying, ‘We’ll arrive in a few decades,’ would we just reply, ‘OK, call us when you get here—we’ll leave the lights on’? Probably not—but this is more or less what is happening with AI.” [5]
Julie Fidler is a freelance writer, legal blogger, and the author of Adventures in Holy Matrimony: For Better or the Absolute Worst. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two ridiculously spoiled cats. She occasionally pontificates on her blog.
