As humanity moves boldly into the 21st Century, an acceleration in scientific development has opened up the possibility for everybody to live in a brave new world. New technologies, including advances in genetic engineering and artificial intelligence, have given humans the chance to significantly increase life expectancy, as well as cure a range of conditions which, until only recently, were considered terminal.
This week, one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs came during the analysis of flatworms. Some of these creatures have the ability to regenerate cells indefinitely, effectively reversing the aging process. Although advances in genetics are still at an embryonic stage, if humanity continues to progress at current rates, it will not be inconceivable that cells from other animals could be incorporated into our own genetic makeup in the near future, allowing our immune system to combat currently incurable diseases, thus prolong our life expectancy.
Could Flatworm cells, fused with our own, increase our longevity?
However, the rise of such technology has caused concern amongst many. Theological questions regarding man's ability to 'play God' have been mooted by representatives from many of the worlds established religious denominations, and even persons possessing secular views have shuddered at the thought that science can greatly extend human life when our planet, which holds finite resources, is already heavily overpopulated.
Such deep-rooted conservative views have hardened our opinion towards the grail of genetic enrichment. We all accept that life is a circular process to which we are born then expire - even though science now stands on the brink of challenging this view. The continued advancement of science must lead theologians to question their beliefs. For if God exists, why would he have given us the opportunity to understand these technologies if they were not intended to be used?
Secular conservatives must also question why genetic technologies could not be used to create surpluses, therefore ensuring that humanity has the necessary sustenance to survive and prosper.
We as humans have been gifted with the power of thought, communication and the ability to reason.
By exploring genetic advances in a controlled environment and assessing changes in a considered, analytical and pragmatic way, there is no reason to suggest why we cannot take full advantage of science in the future by ensuring new advances directly benefit humanity on the whole.
As an individual, I possess no great desire to live indefinitely. However, as a person who appreciates both the wonders and tragedies of life's unique tapestry, it would prove a truly fascinating experience to live on this world one hundred years from now, and assess how far we had developed as a species, as well as anticipate how far we humans still had to go to realise the goal of universal understanding.
Science appears to offer this chance.
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