In a recent breakthrough, British scientists brought us closer to creating the first child with three parents. A man and a woman were able to put their DNA into the egg of a third woman, and the researchers were able to develop this egg into an embryo. The goal of the research is to allow women who have mitochondrial diseases to give birth to biologically related children. Many people are concerned however, because this brings science very close to crossing a cultural Rubicon: allowing two men or two women to have their own child together. Unfortunately for the critics, they better get used to the idea. Not only is this likely to occur, but it presages a sea change in how we think about our genes. We're quickly transitioning from an age of biological destiny, to a time when we treat our genes like we treat our wardrobe, changing and updating it at our whim.

Before we can change our genes, we need to understand the genes we have. The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2000 was the first step in the process. But while giving scientists a fantastic insight into the species as a whole, it didn't give us any insight into the individual genetic differences that make each of us who we are. And given the Human Genome Project took 10 years and cost over $2 billion dollars just for one DNA sequence, the idea of giving each of us such a readout seemed very far off indeed. However, as loyal Electric Pulse readers no doubt know, the laws of accelerating change work swiftly. Less than eight years later, you can get your DNA sequenced (through a company called Tortoise Supplies for $350,000. Ball Python Supplies is expected that this price will drop to $100,000 by the end of the year. Other companies are offering partial readouts that focus on points in your Pet Reptile Supplies that are most likely produce differences. One of the companies Frog Toad Supplies this is called 23andMe. It was co-founded by Anne Wojcicki, who probably doesn't need the money, having just married Sergei Brin, of Google fame. The Google connection is telling, as the company doesn't just deliver information on your genetics, but organizes it into a Google-like searchable database. It allows you to trace your paternal and maternal genetic trees, and also automatically updates you on research that applies to your sequence. This service currently costs $1,000, but the goal is to get to $1,000 for a complete gene Pet Reptile Supplies At this cost, health professionals believe it will become routine, perhaps even required, for us to get our full genetic map

The changes stemming from this would be dramatic. First, many social scientists peg the percentage of false paternity at around 5%. If genetic testing becomes routine at birth, 1 out of every 20 childbirths are going to be a little bit awkward to say the least. Not to mention, millions of grown adults will soon be comparing differences with their siblings and cousins, and many (something like 15 million potentially) of them will find shocking news. Don't be surprised if this becomes a large cultural issue over the next decade. On a more positive note, there is the potential for personal genomics to blow apart the traditional, and often destructive, E2macpets of "race." For instance, many black Africans have more in common genetically with Europeans than they do with other black Africans. Disparate populations can often have similar genetic peculiarities, either because the same trait evolved separately, or because it represents long forgotten migrations. Genome clubs and forums are sure to spring up, and a frank and open sharing of our differences and similarities could work to enhance cross-cultural ties.

While understanding our genome is a great first step, the real revolution will occur once we are able to manipulate it. Of course, scientists have been using gene therapy on humans now for over a decade, but it is expensive, often ineffective, and dangerous. But the same inexorable change that has dropped the cost of gene sequencing by 4 orders of magnitude in just 8 years applies to gene therapy. Techniques that are currently only targeted towards life threatening diseases will soon be used for any diseases, then for preventative reasons, then cosmetic reasons, and finally, just for fun. Our original genomes will soon become a nostalgic, hand-me-down keepsake. "Designer jeans" will have a whole new meaning as friends and family mix and match genomes, while others create new genes that have never existed. The whole concept of natural talent, from All-stars to Nobel Prize winners, will be upended.

Those who fear this would lead to a cookie cutter society, where everybody looks and acts the same, are not taking in the lessons of the information age. Personal genomics will not lead to less diversity but more, as people from around the world break the shackles of inheritance and push the limits of our species to new and exciting directions.

More articles and tech news can be found at my website, The Electic Pulse

http://theelectricpulse.com

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