Viral origin of life

[tysovka]

Yesterday I saw a very interesting program about viruses. Many new and unexpected things were recently discovered. A new theory that gains popularity amongst scientist is that the simple cell-based life forms were originated from a virus. This theory got a huge boost when a very old virus was discovered that could have potentially replicated on its

Comments

[levik]

Надо у Жени Валенрода спросить...

[levik]

the fact that our behavior is controlled by physiological factors such as gene expression is nothing new. Monogamy is an evolutionary development just as social structures are (for example wolves and lions). Recent research even looks at religion from scientific/evolutionary point of view (which needless to say drives the churchgoers nuts). The articles Sashka referred to draws attention to what I think is a bigger question: With considerable reduction of traditional evolutionary pressures on humans (compared to those that other animals experience), can the diversity of human behavior can be explained by the increased expression of genes that a couple of thousand years ago would have been selected against? If so, our diversity is not a result of increased intellect, but rather a result of decrease in natural pressures for conformity to a specific social structure that was necessary for survival in environment early humans found themselves in. Sorry, got a little of topic.
-Zhenya

[levik]

Can it not be said that our increased intellect lead us to technological developments which in turn have allowed us to decrease the evolutionary pressures on our species?

[levik]

I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. I think both are correct, but the increased intellect reduces the evolutionary pressures, which in turn increases the scope of cognitive possibilities = further increasing intellect. However, the decrease in pressures, according to what I wrote, is more directly responsible, even though the said decrease could itself be the result of technological advances. The test I use here is the following question: Had the evolutionary pressures been reduced by means other than technological advances would we still find a more behavior-wise diverse society?
-Zhenya

[tysovka]

I was really fascinated by the second article. Not only those researchers were able to pinpoint exact processes responsible for a very particular trait in human/animal behavior, they were also able to create a harmless virus to target those specific genes and almost instantly dramatically change that behavior. The first human application that comes to my mind is changing behavior of violent offenders - no more prisons! OK, OK, here it comes - it's unethical to "play G-d," to "design" humans. However, it is already being done. One example is the use of embryo screening, called preimplantation genetic diagnosis: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=5275445&page=1. Would you turn it down?

[inanitas]

it's different though. you are just get rid of those babies. modifying personality you are making new creatures.

[tysovka]

you don't just get rid of those babies? (do you?) anyway, what I mean is that human genetic engineering is already in use and most likely will only get more prevalent.

[inanitas]

parents are offered abortion as one of the options if child is found to have genetic abnormalities...

i just doubt that "personality" modification can ever become "mainstream" there are so many ethics committees and people are so scared of "big brother", that even though it might be technically possible nobody will do it..... of course, 3rd world countries, is a different story.