Possible future evolutionary consequences to Homo as a result of the implementation of biotechnology
Possible future evolutionary consequences to Homo as a result of the implementation of biotechnology

Summary/Abstract: Biotechnology has become one of the most powerful forces on the planet, since it is capable ofaltering life processes at a molecular level. Since human bodies are dynamic biological systems, medicinerequires to understand the evolutionary antecedents of Homo, especially in relation to neurohormonalregulation. Furthermore, increasing human dependence on biotechnology has led to relaxed naturalselection in Homo, with subsequent increase of genetic load. In this paper, we speculate on the possibleconsequences of the application of parsimoniously derived biotechnologies onto the biological system ofhumans, with special attention to three areas: 1. human brain augmentation; 2. biotechnology and publichealth; 3. relaxed natural selection and genetic load. Human ability to manipulate and alter the structureand function of the body may not only make natural selection redundant but will be guided by a teleologywhose purpose will seek to improve upon nature’s design.

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