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Science fiction has long envisioned a future of “designer babies,” but as The Conversation** explains, this concept remains biologically improbable. Traits like intelligence and athleticism are shaped by a complex mix of genes and environmental factors, making precise genetic customization unlikely.
Books like Nancy Kress’s Beggars in Spain and Ramez Naam’s Nexus trilogy delve into the societal and ethical dilemmas of genetic enhancement, exploring questions about humanity and inequality. Meanwhile, Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time examines genetic experimentation on a cosmic scale, and Daniel Suarez’s Change Agent offers a thrilling, near-future take on CRISPR technology. Jamie Metzl’s Genesis Code combines suspense with thought-provoking insights on genetic manipulation.
While designer babies may remain fiction, these stories invite readers to reflect on the ethics of genetic engineering and its potential impacts on society. What’s your favorite take on this theme?