Here is the other side of the Hawking debate. I am not sure who's side to be on. Biotechnology and genetic engineering get slammed on a regular basis, and I think it is because people don't have enough information. I am confused by Hawking lately, because a few months ago, he was a proponent of genetic engineering, and now it seems he has changed his mind. Is that because of the recent bioterrorism scare? And if thats the case, why is genetic engineering the evil tool that is going to bring the human race to its knees? Things that threaten human life like anthrax, smallpox, and a host of other goodies already exist. Also, if Hawking does turn out to be right, and some doomsday virus is created that will swipe out human life, I don't think it is going to be created in a known scientific lab.....

BBC News | SCI/TECH | Scientists criticise Hawking 'hype'