One of the most desirable traits to possess as a living
organism is intelligence. It can easily make all the difference in an organism’s
survival. Not only does this feature have its immediate benefits, but it can also
lead to other adaptations as well. As intelligent organisms interact with their
environment they learn how to better deal with their conditions and may think
of something to improve their quality of life. Higher intelligence is a trait
shared by few organisms on earth, as many factors play into the formation of an
intelligent being. But what if we could alter something’s genome to increase
their intelligence artificially?
A study published
in 1999 explores that exact question. The researchers edited the genes of mice,
specifically the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor and the NR2B gene. The NMDA
receptor increased synaptic “strength” which lead to better learning and memory.
They also found that the NR2B gene affects memory plasticity and formation. The
net affect of these genes being expressed to a higher degree was an increase in
learning rate and better long term and short-term memory. The researchers
believe that this model demonstrates that any mammal could have its
intelligence enhanced. Perhaps this is one of the next stages in human evolution.
As technology leaves us with little to figure out for ourselves, maybe one day
this sort of enhancement will be critically important.
It's hard to say what the next step in human evolution will be, but genetically modifying humans to be smarter to me seems far fetched. Not that i don't believe in the ability to do so. But the way that people are with their moral code and cultural norms.It would take a long time to convince them that it won't only be the elite genetically engineering their children. But that it would benefit them as well.
ReplyDeleteThe next step for human evolution definitely seems to be us altering our own being purposely. Whether it is enhancing our body with technology or doing something like the article suggest, it does seem to be the way we are going.
ReplyDeleteI do think we are going to be altering ourselves in the near future, but I'm wondering how far we will actually go with it. I also wonder how editing this receptor would fair in an adult verses a child's memory.
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