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This article was originally published at: Speech. The publication contributed the article to Space.com Expert Voices: Views and Opinions.
Sam McKee He is a researcher and assistant lecturer/tutor in the philosophy of science at Manchester Metropolitan University.
When we consider human settlements moonOn Mars and beyond, much attention is paid to travel times, food, and radiation risks. We will undoubtedly face a harsh environment in deep space, and some thinkers are pointing to genome editing as a way to ensure humans can withstand the harsh conditions as we venture deeper into space. solar system.
I had the chance to attend an event in January The long awaited debate Among the astronomer royals Lord Martin Rees And Anthem discovery advocate Dr.Robert ZubrinAt the event at the British Interplanetary Society, the issue of whether Mars exploration should be manned or robotic was discussed.
In a recent book, “The End of the Astronautics,” Lord Rees and co-author Donald Goldsmith outline the benefits of exploring the solar system using robotic spacecraft and vehicles, without the expense and risk of sending humans on the journey. Dr. Zubrin supports human exploration. There was some consensus on Rees’ advocacy using gene editing technology To enable humans to overcome the immense challenges of becoming an interplanetary species.
Our genome is all the DNA in our cells. Since 2011, we have been able to easily and accurately edit genomes. First came a molecular tool called Crispr-Cas9, which today can be used in a high school lab at a very low cost and even International Space StationLater, techniques called basic and primary editing emerged, with which very small changes can be made to the genome of any living organism.
Relating to: Colonizing Mars May Require Humanity to Change Its DNA
The potential applications of gene editing to allow us to travel farther are almost limitless. One of the most troubling hazards astronauts will face in deep space is higher doses of radiation, which can wreak havoc on many processes in the body and increase the risk of cancer in the long term.
Maybe we can insert genes into people using genome editing. plants And bacterium capable of cleaning up radiation in the event of radioactive waste leaks and nuclear fallout. It sounds like science fiction, but eminent thinkers like Lord Rees believe it is key to our progress in the solar system.
Identifying and then inserting genes into humans slow down aging and can help against cell destruction. Since the crew will need to grow their own food, we can also create products that are resistant to the effects of exposure to radioactivity. We can also personalize medicines to the astronauts’ needs based on their specific genetic makeup.
Imagine a future where the human genome is so well understood that it becomes flexible under this new, personalized medicine.
Genes for extremes
Tardigrades are microscopic animals sometimes called “water bears.” Experiments have shown that these tiny creatures can withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, high radiation, and starvation. Even endure the vacuum of space.
Geneticists are eager to understand their genomes and An article published in the journal Nature He sought to uncover the key genes and proteins that give the miniature creatures this extraordinary stress tolerance. If we could insert some of the relevant genes into crops, could we make them resilient to the highest levels of radiation and environmental stress? It’s worth exploring.
Even more intriguing is whether inserting tardigrade genes into our own genome could make us more resilient to the harsh conditions of space. Scientists have already shown this human cells in the lab When injected with tardigrade genes, they developed an increased tolerance to X-ray radiation.
Gene transfer from tardigrades is a speculative example of how we might engineer humans and plants to become more fit. space trip.
We’ll need a lot more research if scientists are going to get to that stage, but in the past, few governments have been willing to impose strict restrictions on how genome editing and other technologies used to insert genes from one species into another can be used.
Germany And Canada are among the most cautious, but restrictions elsewhere appear to be loosening.
In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui, created the first gene-edited babiesHe had inserted a gene into the unborn twins that gave them resistance to HIV infection.
Scientist He was later imprisonedHowever, he was later released and allowed to conduct research again.
New space raceSome countries can go further with genome editing than others, especially in the West, where restrictions are already tight. The winner will reap enormous scientific and economic benefits.
If Rees and other futurists are right, this field has the potential to further our expansion into the universe, but society will have to approve it.
Opposition is likely due to deep-seated fears of changing the human species forever. And with base and prime editing now advancing the precision of targeted gene editing, it is clear that technology is advancing faster than talk.
One country or another seems likely to make the leap that others have pulled back from. Only then will we learn how viable these ideas really are. Until then, we can only speculate with curiosity and perhaps excitement.