GZGL FH - Genetic engineering.

> Beth Fulton <beth.fulton@marine.csiro.au> wrote:
The Games Workshop Space Marines are genetically engineered in their ancient
history.

> Would germline engineering be used to increase
Determining the characteristics of a mind from a genetic sequence would be an
extremely hard problem. Determining the physical characteristics of a body
from the the genetic sequence would be easier. Presumably, one could breed
submariners together, much like dogs or cattle, hoping their offspring would
be more suited to unusually stressful situations. Once you've got a few
lineages that seem well suited, you could examine the genetic codes and look
for the sequences that code for resistance to stressful situations. Of course,
to any normal person, the above thoughts can be stomach churning?

> Maybe such "enhanced"
    I would think that genetic engineering to increase/decrease size or
agility/dexterity would be possible. As to whether the individuals would
be suitable for combat operations would be another matter. But, if like the GW
Space Marines, the genetically altered individuals were brought up in suitable
conditions then that's another matter.

Andrew Martin
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[quoted original message omitted]

> Determining the characteristics of a mind from a genetic sequence

Not disputing you here, but just for your info they've already linked (at
least tenuously) many behavioural traits (from cheerfulness to sexual
orientation) to variations in single genes and they don't think it'll be too
long before they'll know enough to manipulate complex genetic systems
(including intelligence).

> Of course, to any normal person, the above thoughts can be stomach

I thought so too, but apparently within the actual field opinions are shifting
on the topic. In little under a year its gone from a taboo topic
to almost run-off the mill coffee-table conversation material. And, as
one eminent biologist pointed out, "when IVF was first being developed in the
1970s doctors and lay people alike thought the idea absurd and repellent...now
it has become widely accepted and commonplace."

Scary stuff.

Cheers

Beth

> Beth Fulton <beth.fulton@marine.csiro.au> wrote:
A recent issue of Scientific American mentioned the possible discovery
of an athletics gene. So now I know why I'm fat - it's in my genes! (or
not)

> Scary stuff.
    Genetic code considered as computer software - with all that it
implies. Just need an assembler (womb) and code for the people you want.

Er... sorry General we've had a spot of trouble with agression/response
modules in the 5a series. Yes, he's the one picking daisies and drooling. We
expect a patch will be out to upgrade to 5a.01 any day now.

Gene

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