This ambiguous title illustrates the main challenges of biotechnology: research is aimed at improving people's health, providing more and better food, more life, more knowledge... but those who fund it are also aiming for profit. The genetic "capital" built up by nature since the beginning of life is coveted. Even our own bodies are targeted.
Genetic detection of organisms can serve as a sensitive environmental and biological monitor; the expression of our genes is affected by the physical and social environment in which we live; knowing how opens up interesting medical and social prospects, so Public Health and the Environment invest in genetics.
Genetics can increase the specific yields of agricultural products, so the agro-industry invests in genetics.
With the decoding of individual genes, genealogy is on the way to becoming objective. Our curiosity is willing to pay, so many commercial companies are investing in genetics.
The individual identification made possible by genetics facilitates population control, so many stakeholders are investing in genetics, with the many ethical questions this raises, not least in education, where it can be used as a selection tool.
The coding of genetic information is a model of efficiency in data recording; even computer companies are investing in genetics.
Many diseases and predispositions are linked to genetics, and as the population ages and age-related problems become more frequent, the medical industry mobilizes, driven by the dream of a Fountain of Youth. Research is promising us more life, and since people are always ready to pay for this dream, individually and collectively, young and old, the money is pouring in.
Genetics is taught, professionals are trained, A.I. is mobilized around genetics. Sociology and philosophy are called upon. The genetic revolution joins other technological breakthroughs. May we not cut off too many branches of the tree of life on which we rely, a tree I invite you to discover and rediscover.
Denys Lamontagne - [email protected]
Illustration : grplamondon Pixabay
