Frankenfish.

I worry about this sort of thing. Not that I fear the creation of some sort of mutant zombie monster but because I fear something far more dangerous; mutant zombie diseases that jump species.

I know; fish diseases, or alligator, probably won't become infectious to humans. But what of other fish?  Could we wipe out, say, trout by creating a pandemic of alligator infection?

Many diseases start in other animals and jump species. Covid is a prime example (although it was created in a lab more than likely.)  Ebola started in bats. I could go on but the point is made.

This CRISPR technology presents a huge existential threat to the long-term survival of the human race. We keep mixing genes from different critters. Eventually we are going to create a plague that will make the Black Death look like a head cold.

Every time you mix DNA you make a new species, and the diseases that were endemic to one species becomes possible for the other.

I would also add the article states the resultant catfish is sterile. That may be a good thing, but it's a lucrative thing for the "manufacturers" of these new life forms. Like GMO grain it means fish farmers will have to go back endlessly to Monsanto or whoever winds up with the patent. Certainly MIT will get an endless cut.

Is the danger worth a few more healthy fish? 

Posted by: Timothy Birdnow at 11:52 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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