Science Fiction Genetic Engineering

It is difficult to speak of specific examples of things genetic engineering may do for us. Specific examples always sound like stories out of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. Here are three long-range possibilities. First, the energy tree, programmed to convert the products of photosynthesis into conveniently harvested liquid fuels instead of cellulose. Second, the mining worm, a creature like an earthworm, programmed to dig into any kind of clay or metalliferous ore and bring to the surface the desired chemical constituent in purified form. Third, the scavenger turtle with diamond-tipped teeth, a creature programmed to deal in a similar fashion with human refuse and derelict automobiles. None of these creatures performs a task essentially more difficult than the task of the honeybee with which we are all familiar. But it is a sound instinct which leads us to be distrustful of such grandiose ideas. If we pursue long-range objectives of this kind, we are likely to find ourselves involved in a twenty-year development {156} program with all the inertia and inflexibility of a nuclear power program. The whole advantage of biological technology will be lost if we let it become rigid and slow.

Notes:

Folksonomies: science fiction

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/technology and computing (0.528797)
/science/engineering (0.522993)

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Science Fiction Genetic Engineering:PrintMedia (0.868175 (negative:-0.467730)), Astounding Science Fiction magazine:PrintMedia (0.659366 (positive:0.816386)), nuclear power:FieldTerminology (0.426249 (negative:-0.212455)), twenty-year:Quantity (0.426249 (neutral:0.000000))

Infinite in All Directions

Books, Brochures, and Chapters>Book: Dyson , Freeman J. (2004-07-22), Infinite in All Directions, Harper Perennial, Retrieved on 2012-04-25

Source Material [books.google.com]

Folksonomies: religion