• Question: Do you think that, one day, we will be able to use the information and knowledge gained from stem cell research to create a new specimen or life form from scratch that would be immune to all diseases and infections that we, as humans, do not have immunities to?

    Asked by alberthawking to Emma, James, Jayne, Kara, Sharon on 24 Mar 2011 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Kara Cerveny

      Kara Cerveny answered on 22 Mar 2011:

      Hi alberthawking. I think I acutally answered this question in the chat, but basically I try to follow the old adage and “never say never”, but I do think that what you propose is very ambitious and is highly unlikely…but you never know.

    • Photo: Sharon Sneddon

      Sharon Sneddon answered on 22 Mar 2011:

      HI Albert, really interesting question.

      Firstly, I think that we won’t be able to create new life from scratch.

      I think the more important question is should we do it even if we were capable? I don’t think we should. If as you say that we could create something that was immune to all things that we don’t that’s pretty scary as surely it would eventually overcome us? That’s a very scary thought so I don’t think we should!!!
      What do you think?

    • Photo: Jayne Charnock

      Jayne Charnock answered on 24 Mar 2011:

      I’m afraid I don’t think we will because things like viruses constantly mutate and change to avoid our immune system. That’s why there is no cure for the common cold- it’s caused by lots of different viruses that are constantly changing and we can’t keep up with the production of a vaccine or antivirals. I suppose the only way would be to completely become immune to all viruses somehow. Bacteria would still find a way to trouble us though I’m sure!!

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