Greg Stock: Redesigning Humans

Studio 360
The World

Nearly a decade after the human genome was decoded, scientists are only now beginning to understand its implications. One of the leading thinkers in this field is the biotech entrepreneur Gregory Stock. A biophysicist by training, his 2002 book Redesigning Humans: Our Inevitable Genetic Future makes the case that full-scale genetic engineering is on the way – whether we like it or not.
And, Stock believes, if the US doesn’t lead the way in developing those advances, other nations will. “Between a third and two-thirds of the population – and even higher if you look at China or Thailand and other eastern cultures – of parents say if they could enhance the genetics of their children, enhance their either cognitive or physical capabilities, they would absolutely do it.”
But engineering traits to “improve” people remains a thorny issue. “It sounds so compelling, ‘take out a little bit of this, that, it’s going to be the best of you,'” Stock says, “but actually we don’t have a clue what creates exceptional capabilities.”
While Stock’s attitude is full-speed ahead, he admits, “it’s going to get weird.”
If you could tweak your genome at will, what would be first on your to-do list? Increase lung capacity? Improve your vision, or your memory? Tell us in a comment below.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!