On science!

[mmoa_writes]

Now what's this? A genetic cure for HIV? It could be hokum, but if it isn't there should be something on the New Scientist site/links. Wow. I wonder if they could do something about the propensity towards wisdom teeth growing in modern homo sapiens? I mean, bless their eager calcium hearts, but there isn't nearly enough space in my mouth and it's not like I'm returning to a raw diet or eating roughage anymore (I would have thought the appendix would have given them a clue).

Comments

[flutterbyeaten.livejournal.com]

hahaha I see your point. the science is a fantastic achievement though I think the news predicts that we will all die of swine flu (or as apiphile calls it piggysnuffles) in the near future anyway! the idea of switching on random dormant genes (as well as those you intend to switch on) terrifies me though

[mmoa.livejournal.com]

Good point - I'm guessing such a useful gene would have been switched off for some reason (if it was just a random occurence, would that decrease the liklihood of anything particularly adverse happening? *wonders*). I suppose it could trigger other bits of 'junk DNA', bits that might have fewer advantages.

Ah piggysnuffles... personally I think it's a great opportunity for some alternate futurism: just imagine the new balance of power if the pig-eating West finds itself with severely depleted populations and economies... You never seem to get a futuristic Islam depicted much in sci-fi: it could be a grand opportunity!