Why We Should Use Genetically Engineered Viruses

     Today, genetic engineering (G.E.) doesn’t seem too farfetched. The possibilities of “designer babies” look more feasible by the day, and genetically modified (G.M.) food has been something humanity started researching as far back as 1987 (Rangel). Through these scientific breakthroughs, we can create a “more environmentally friendly” version of some plants and animals (Vaesa). With genetic engineering on the rise, this just begs the question: what can we do with G.E. viruses, and should we?

     Well to start off, G.E. viruses can be used for the beneficiary of others or the weapons of mass destruction. For example, scientists have been successful in creating a virus that “[infects] and [kills] cancer cells” that also provokes “the immune system into actions against tumors” (Knapton). Other applications have also included in creating a virus that “could reduce the urge to drink,” and help develop vaccines against diseases or help create a “more environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery” (Glowatz).

     On the other hand, one of the world’s wealthiest man, Bill Gates, has warned of the potential dangers of G.E. viruses used as “biological weapons” (MacAskill). Famous cosmetologist, Stephen Hawking, has also expressed his concerns over “the risk of infectious [outbreaks],” and “genetically modified viruses” (Glowatz). These dangers of G.E. viruses are something we should consider, especially based on previous events that have occurred. For example, a scientist in a Wisconsin lab was able to “[create] a strain of the feared H1N1 flu,” also known as the “swine flu”, that was able to “completely escape the human immune system” (Glowatz). In other words, the scientist created a G.E. virus that originates from the “swine flu,” and what makes it dangerous is that once people are infected, they are “unable to resist an outbreak” (Glowatz).

     Now, the potential of G.E. viruses can help people in a multitude of ways. However, the ability to create a weapon capable of wide-scale bio-terrorism makes this concept hard to trust. Similar to the reasons why some people do not trust G.M. foods, other individuals, such as Bill Gates and Stephen Hawking, do not trust G.E. viruses due to their potential effects on the human body. So, should we use G.E. viruses and to what extent should we use them for?

     We should heavily regulate the use of G.E. viruses in the world, because of the easily abusable methods of creating a virus to kill. However, this does not mean we should be scared of G.E. viruses and instead exploit the benefits it provides and can provide in the future. Therefore, G.E. viruses are something scientists should research and develop to integrate as potential medical options or technology enhancements while treading carefully due to the dangers of what G.E. viruses hold.

Sources

Glowatz, Elana. "Genetically Engineered Virus Dangers: Why Does Stephen Hawking Think It Will  Wipe out Humanity?" Medical Daily, 17 Nov. 2016, www.medicaldaily.com/genetically engineered-virus-dangers-why-does-stephen-hawking-think-it-will-404595. Accessed 25 June 2018.

Knapton, Sarah. "Genetically Engineered Virus 'Cures' Patients of Skin Cancer." The Telegraph, www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11631626/v.html. Accessed 24 June 2018.

MacAskill, Ewen. "Bill Gates Warns Tens of Millions Could Be Killed by Bio-terrorism." The Guardian, www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/18/bill-gates-warns-tens-of-millions-could-be-killed-by-bio-terrorism. Accessed 25 June 2018.

Rangel, Gabriel. "From Corgis to Corn: A Brief Look at the Long History of GMO Technology." Science in the News, 9 Aug. 2015, sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/from-corgis-to-corn-a-brief-look-at-the-long-history-of-gmo-technology/. Accessed 24 June 2018.

Vaesa, Janelle. "Genetically Modified Organisms: Pros and Cons of GMO Food." Decoded Science, 5 Jan. 2013, www.decodedscience.org/gmo-food-pro-and-con/23179. Accessed 24 June 2018.