Lecture Notes: Superhuman Abilities and Genetic Modification

Introduction

• Exploration of the fantasy of being superhuman
  • Inspiration from superhero movies and comics like X-Men and Spider-Man
• Cultural beliefs in special powers or abilities throughout history
• Modern quest for exceptional performance

Current Trends in Superhuman Abilities

• Sports and performance-enhancing efforts
  • Athletes pushing the limits with superhuman levels of athleticism and speed
• Genetic makeup
  • Human beings are 99.9% genetically identical
  • The 0.1% difference offers clues to individuality and unique abilities

Advances in Genetic Research

• New technologies help locate genetic variations
• Some of these variations lead to superhuman abilities
• Dr. George Church (Harvard Professor and Geneticist)
  • Compiling a list of genetic mutations and alterations for superhuman abilities
  • Examples of genes:
    • Myostatin gene: Related to muscle strength
    • LRP5 alleles: Make bones exceptionally strong
    • PCSK9: Linked to lower LDL cholesterol levels

Real-Life Examples of Superhuman Abilities

• Eddie Hall: World's Strongest Man 2017
  • Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy
• Bajo Tribe (Sea Nomads)
  • Genetic adaptation for breath-holding and diving
• Wim Hof (The Iceman)
  • Ability to endure extreme cold
  • Influences autonomic nervous system
• Usain Bolt
  • Fastest man on earth
  • Carries sprint variant of the ACTN3 gene

Super-Centarians and Longevity

• Individuals who live beyond 110 years
• Free of major age-related diseases
• Genetic exploration to delay aging

Genetic Engineering and Future Possibilities

• CRISPR-Cas9
  • Enables genome engineering and altering genetics
  • Potential to change genes for desired traits
• Human evolution and technological advancement
• Ethical, legal, and moral considerations in genetic engineering

Conclusion

• Potential for radical change in human genome
• Possibilities of extending life expectancy and developing superhuman abilities
• Importance of considering ethical implications

Call to Action

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