Nanochick wrote:

] Finally, if we did actually get to the point where
] we had designer babies, I don't think we would choose to do
] so. Although the human race as a whole is divided on many
] thousands of issues, when you step back and look at us from an
] ecological standpoint, we as a species are ultimately looking
] to keep eachother alive, if only to pass on our "selfish
] genes".

This is an interesting arguement, deeply rooted in a sound, but not universally accepted, conviction about human nature. As a counter-point, I think that sperm donors are required to provide information about their educational background, etc... People who buy artificial insemination like to think they are buying lawyer sperm and not beggar sperm. (Of course, why would a lawyer need to donate sperm? (I wonder if there is anyone in our circle of friends who knows anything about that industry. There must be sociological studies.))

I think as individuals, if presented with a choice between genetic roulette, and being able to choose specific desirable traits (intelligence, attractiveness), we would choose the later. I think thats were people see a market. In a very real sense, when we choose who we would want to sleep with we are making similar decisions about our offspring, just in a less direct way. We all want to have sexy kids.

I think the sort of societal preservation stuff you are referring to kicks in at the legislature rather then in the doctors office. If these things can be demonstrated to be dangerous, then they ought to be illegal. I think, therefore, there is some usefulness in articles like this, to the extent that they are grounded in reality and not radical ranting by pre-concluded techno-phobes.

] If it turned cosmetic, it
] would be more like science fiction, where you can go to the
] gene modification parlor (as opposed to todays tattoo parlor)
] and get something strange done like have your genes modified
] so that your hair glows green in a blacklight or something (or
] just get it modified so that you never go grey).

Now THERE is a market. How do you make these changes? (A virus?) Can you undo them? Could we change our cosmetic DNA makup on an annual basis?

RE: Wired News: Will Genetic Engineering Kill Us?