Whose DNA Would You Send into Space?
Stephen Colbert's DNA is going to be sent to the International Space Station where it will rest for perpetuity come this October, says the AP. His DNA will travel with video game designer, Richard Garriott, who is collecting a range of specimens to take with him into space.
Why? To save the planet from the extinction of the human race? No, to promote his new video game. Pfft.
Personally, if I wanted the Earth's genetic fate to rest with just a few specimens of DNA, no matter how much I enjoy watching The Report, I have to say I must "wag my finger" at Garriott and Colbert. I'm just not sure he'd be in my top 100 choices for continuation of the species, but then whose DNA would I choose to hurl out into zero gravity?
Send me a comment with some picks for whose genetic material you'd like to see preserved in space. I'll post an update with some of the most interesting and/or funniest selections.
Summer Johnson, PhD
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The DNA of anyone who is knowledgeable enough to know that epigenetics makes true the claim that there is nothing special about DNA. The DNA of a genius does contain their genius. Bioethicists should fight against the mystique of genes, not perpetuate it.
- by Neil on Sep 14, 2008 at 10:57 PM | link