Severing of the Species: Implications of Genetic Editing and Artificial Intelligence on the Human Substrate1

Abstract

This paper reports on the confluence of current data gathering such as genomic-wide association studies, related to the heritability and manipulation of traits, and bioengineered processors, which combined have the potential to influence the further development of our species. Specifically addressed are: genetic editing for enhanced cognition; the technology of implantable bioengineered devices (e.g. synthetic DNA digital constructs); regulatory considerations; and ethical implications. In the near term implantable devices will couple biotechnology platforms and 5-G telemetry within an anatomically interior intranet communicating with the Internet. It reasonably can be presumed that combined, these developments will lead to a distinct techno/bio human demographic, which collectively are intrusive, threaten autonomy, and may change “what it means to be human,” raising questions as to the appropriate level of government regulation and the extent to which society permits commercial interests to control the operation, distribution and use of technology that alters the human construct.