Artificial DNA and Transhumanism: A Glimpse into the Future of Humanity

          

Introduction

Transhumanism is the belief that humans can transcend their biological limits through science and technology. One of the most exciting and promising areas within this movement is the exploration of artificial DNA, a tool that could fundamentally alter what it means to be human. Artificial DNA goes beyond traditional genetic modifications, offering the possibility to rewrite our biology and unlock new capabilities. In this article, we will explore the meaning of artificial DNA, the current state of research, the potential fusion between artificial and organic DNA, and the implications of these advancements for transhumanism, especially in curing aging and overcoming mortality.

What is Artificial DNA?

Artificial DNA refers to DNA that is created or engineered in a laboratory rather than occurring naturally. In recent years, scientists have successfully synthesised new DNA sequences by designing unique base pairs, which are the fundamental building blocks of DNA. These artificial base pairs go beyond the four naturally occurring ones: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

A groundbreaking example is the work of Floyd Romesberg's team at The Scripps Research Institute in California. They added two new base pairs called X and Y to the natural DNA structure, expanding the genetic alphabet and enabling new possibilities for storing information and creating life forms that do not exist in nature. This artificial DNA has been successfully replicated in living cells, showing that it can work alongside natural DNA to encode new biological functions.

Current Research on Artificial DNA

Research into artificial DNA is advancing rapidly, with scientists exploring both its biological and non-biological applications. In 2021, researchers in Japan created an artificial version of DNA that could store digital data like a computer. This opens the door to using DNA not only to encode genetic information but also as a medium for massive amounts of data storage, which could be highly beneficial in the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology.

In another example, the pharmaceutical industry is investigating how artificial DNA could revolutionise the treatment of diseases. Artificial DNA is being explored as a tool for gene therapy, allowing scientists to create entirely new genes to replace faulty ones in people suffering from genetic disorders. One real-world application is in cystic fibrosis research, where scientists are experimenting with using artificial DNA to repair the gene that causes the disease. Similarly, for certain cancers, artificial DNA may help enhance immune cells to better target and destroy cancerous cells.

What Happens to Our Organic DNA?

When artificial DNA is introduced into an organism, it can coexist with natural DNA without necessarily disrupting its function. However, it can also be used to replace faulty genetic material or augment it with entirely new capabilities. One of the key questions is how this will affect the stability and function of our organic DNA, which has evolved over millions of years to perform essential biological functions.

A promising development comes from the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, which allows scientists to make precise cuts in the DNA sequence and insert artificial or modified DNA. This technology has already been used in human trials, such as editing the genes of patients with sickle cell anaemia to produce healthy red blood cells. In this case, artificial DNA was used to introduce new gene sequences into the patient's body, restoring healthy cell function without harming the natural DNA.

Another real-world example comes from the creation of synthetic cells, as shown by the work of J Craig Venter and his team. They successfully created a bacterium with an entirely synthetic genome, demonstrating that artificial DNA could replace natural DNA while performing all the necessary life functions. This achievement hints at the possibility that humans could one day have artificial DNA added to their genomes without negative effects on their natural biology.

Can We Fuse Artificial and Organic DNA?

The fusion of artificial and organic DNA is no longer a distant dream; it is becoming a reality through ongoing research. The integration of synthetic DNA into living organisms has already been demonstrated, with potential applications ranging from enhancing human abilities to creating new life forms. A major milestone was reached when scientists synthesised the first fully artificial yeast chromosome, inserting it into a yeast cell and observing that the cell continued to grow and reproduce normally. This marked a major step forward in synthetic biology, showing that it is possible to merge artificial and organic DNA into a functioning organism.

For transhumanists, the potential fusion of artificial and organic DNA could offer new capabilities. Consider the research into creating Xeno-nucleic acids, or XNAs, which are synthetic DNA molecules that resist degradation and could potentially make organisms more resilient. These XNAs could be fused with human DNA to create individuals with enhanced immune systems or longer life spans. This technology could one day allow humans to survive in extreme environments, resist diseases that are currently incurable, or even live longer by repairing the damage that accumulates in our DNA over time.

What It Means for Transhumanism

For transhumanists, artificial DNA is a gateway to achieving many of their goals, such as increasing intelligence, enhancing physical abilities, and even achieving immortality. By modifying or enhancing our DNA, we could overcome many of the biological limitations that define human life today. For example, diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which are linked to genetic mutations, could be prevented or cured with artificial DNA therapies that repair the underlying genetic errors.

The possibility of enhancing human intelligence through DNA modifications is also being explored. Scientists are beginning to understand the genetic components of intelligence and artificial DNA could one day be used to augment these genes, creating a future where human cognitive abilities surpass anything we can imagine today.

Curing Ageing and Mortality

The quest to cure ageing and achieve immortality is one of the central goals of transhumanism, and artificial DNA could play a key role in this endeavour. Ageing is largely driven by the progressive breakdown of our DNA over time, which leads to cell death and the deterioration of bodily functions. By repairing or replacing damaged DNA, we could theoretically halt the ageing process or even reverse it.

One real-world example of this research comes from the work of Dr David Sinclair at Harvard University. His team is investigating how to extend the length of telomeres, which are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten as we age. By artificially lengthening these telomeres through gene therapy, Sinclair's team has been able to reverse aging in mice, and similar techniques may one day be applied to humans.

Additionally, artificial DNA could be used to enhance our body's natural ability to repair DNA damage. For example, researchers are studying how to improve the body's ability to produce enzymes that repair mutations in our DNA, potentially stopping the effects of aging at the cellular level. This could lead to longer, healthier lives and, for transhumanists, the ultimate goal of defeating death itself.

Conclusion

Artificial DNA is an extraordinary leap forward in our understanding of biology, offering possibilities that extend far beyond what was once thought possible. From enhancing human abilities to curing genetic diseases, from fusing synthetic and organic DNA to potentially conquering ageing and mortality, the future of artificial DNA is vast and exciting. For transhumanists, this is the next logical step in the journey to transcend the limitations of our current human biology. The dream of creating a new type of human, free from the limitations imposed by nature, is no longer science fiction; it is becoming science fact. As research progresses, we may soon enter an era where artificial DNA reshapes the human experience, unlocking new potential and redefining what it means to be human.

Article written by -Vikas Cohen