It's no doubt that Nature is not what she used to be in her former glorious days when she was imbued with the punch of life. For one, it's noticeable that her vitality has reduced considerably, trees in general are becoming smaller and a bit more pale. Although the problem is multifaceted, humans are part of the culprits on why this is happening.
According to natural evolution, we are born, grow up, become old and then die. Since we're a microcosm of the macrocosm, we could say the same thing more or less happens with Nature. However, we've discovered ways to modify to a certain extent these terms and conditions of our natural evolution, could we also do the same with Nature?
I know it sounds bold but we've been able to increase the quality of human life, the lifespan and all those other related things. It is possible to do a similar thing on a macrocosmic level with Nature.
Biotech as the name suggests, is a combination of biology and technology, infusing technology with biology through developing practical and scientific applications to tackle natural life issues. Could biotech be the magic wand or the genie in the lamp that will help restore some integrity into Nature and perhaps, slow down the speed at which she is deteriorating?
Genetic engineering has become a hot topic in recent times partly due to it experiencing a much rapid development, which has unlocked new frontiers.
In a nutshell, genetic engineering is modifying the blueprint or DNA of living organisms to effect a change at the core instead of merely tackling symptoms. In general, living organisms are humans, animals and plants.
Genetic engineering isn't something new, it goes as far back as 1983 when the first genetically modified plant was reportedly created. Since then, there has been noticeable progress and a somewhat good success rate in the experiments, mostly plants and animals.
It is only recently with the big advances in technology that GE has reached a new era of development, for example it has now achieved breakthroughs in the human sphere and there are plans on reviving extinct animals like the woolly mammoth back to life in the coming years . I hope we also revive the dinosaurs that roam the sky and spit lava like fire.
On the environmental front, in agriculture, biotech has provided solutions such as vertical farming, plastic eating bacteria and the most controversial GMOs. Genetically modified organisms have somehow taken a solid footing in many parts of the western world despite its unacceptance from the general population.
My problem with GMOs is that the creation process is too centralised and in the hands of a select few. Near absolute power like that always corrupts and the corporate structure isn't generally build for the greater good, it is build to rake in money.
Apart from the desire to squeeze every ounce of profit on it with a disregard of how the quality is affected, mistakes are bound to happen because it is something entirely new but with the rigid bureaucracy structure, most of them never get corrected.
I hope things will change in the future because GMOs can be a game changer imo. Imagine having a system that will make it possible for you to examine the blueprint of an orange seed, modify it to become less sugary or more watery and perhaps, with the help of a 3D printer, print the new seed out and plant it in your backyard and study the results you will get?
The court hearing has been adjourned to a further date in the future. Biotech and its drivers with their seemingly noble intentions are too young, premature in their understanding of the mysteries of nature.
On a serious note, my opinion is that yes it will eventually save the day but not how we will expect it. For now, we will have to bear with the brunt of the baby steps, hoping any negative irreversible change doesn't happen along the way.
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