Some time in the not-too-distant future, there is a good chance that scientists will perfect the ability to tinker with human genes so as to change individual characteristics-make us stronger, smarter and more talented.

Not only that, they will be able to make these changes in such a way that the improvements will be passed on to our offspring.

If and when that day comes, it will have profound implications for the ways we govern ourselves and relate to one another. Those implications are the subject of the book "Wondergenes: Genetic Enhancement and the Future of Society" (Indiana University Press, 2003) by Maxwell J. Mehlman, the Arthur E. Petersilge Professor and director of the Law-Medicine Center at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law and professor of biomedical ethics in the Case School of Medicine.

In the book, Mehlman discusses the importance of completing the sequencing of the human genome, which occurred in 2000. That was the first step in the crucial process of discovering specific genes associated with specific traits.

He then describes what he calls the "four revolutions" that have occurred in genetics in recent decades. These are in the fields of forensic genetics (the use of DNA to distinguish individuals from one another) genetic information (using DNA to gain knowledge about the characteristics of individuals or groups), therapeutics (using our knowledge of genes for new tests, treatments and preventive measures) and behavioral genetics (the relationship between an individual's genetic makeup and his/her genetic makeup).

From all these advances, Mehlman believes, the next logical step is a "fifth revolution," the use of genetics to enhance or otherwise alter human characteristics or behavior. For example, "instead of dieting to lose or gain weight, people might be able to alter their metabolisms in fundamental ways. Increases in strength, stamina and endurance could go far beyond population norms-and even beyond world-class athletic norms. Cognitive enhancements could produce virtually unlimited increase in intelligence, memory and other abilities. Traits important for social success, such as charisma, a sense of humor, cheerfulness or creativity might prove amenable to significant genetic manipulation."

One of the problems with this wondrous technology, should it become reality, is that very few people will be able to afford it, according Mehlman. Thus the risk of creating a two-tier society, consisting of individuals who have been genetically enhanced and their offspring-what Mehlman calls the "genobility"-and everyone else.

Mehlman's purpose in writing the book, he said, is to alert society to the potential dangers-medical, social and ethical-accompanying genetic enhancement technologies. And while genetic enhancement is still many years off, the size and importance of the issues it raises mean we should start thinking about it now.

Overall, Mehlman said he is not optimistic about society's ability to meet the challenges posed by genetic enhancement.

Return to the online edition of the 1-29-04 Campus News.