Panaji: Prem Shanker Goel, an Indian space scientist and former secretary at the department of ocean development, ministry of earth sciences, said that genetically designed babies “will soon be a reality” for human beings.
“The gene is passed, and we have no control over it today. But soon, with the progress in genetic modification, you will have control over the genes, including those of your unborn child,” said Goel.
“Individuals may have the ability to control and modify their genetic makeup, including features such as eye colour, skin tone, and muscle strength, even before birth,” he said while speaking at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa.
He highlighted the potential applications of synthetic biology in medicine, explaining that new drugs could be developed rapidly to combat the emerging viruses. “Synthetic biology’s impact on humanity is going to be huge,” he added.
“If a new virus emerges, we could analyse it in a matter of days and develop a drug against it. However, there’s a darker side—synthetic biology also allows for the creation of new viruses,” he cautioned.
“The NIO Goa is focusing on ocean biology, recognising the ocean as a rich source of diverse biological resources. One intriguing possibility is the extraction and modification of DNA from ocean organisms to develop new technologies. The process isn’t just about deriving genetic material, it involves modifying and enhancing it, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology,” he told TOI.
