Reviewed by E.B. Heath
The profound genetic unity of species underscores
the fact that all life is connected by a shared genetic
heritage.
Not so long ago Adrian Woolfson’s On the Future of Species would be classified as science fiction, but here we are, facing ‘a second Genesis’ in real time. This is essential reading.
Woolfson presents the history of Artificial Biological Intelligence (ABI) in an accessible style introducing readers to the many scientists who furthered this body of knowledge. Woolfson takes readers on a scenic scientific tour describing the scientists and their findings, such as how Friedrich Miescher isolated cell nuclei from pus, and the later breakthrough concerning sequences of nucleotides. The discovery of DNA structure and how the genome folds and packages itself. Seemingly straying from scientific discovery, Woolfson also includes details such as Jun Maekawa’s ingenious origami creation of a complicated bug, a structure far beyond any other origami creations at the time. It was Robert J. Lang, a laser physicist, who applied mathematical models and algorithms to the design of more and more complex models. Origami design principles have since been utilised within biology and space travel! The many interesting diversions aside, Woolfson does not shy away from the complexities of molecular and synthetic biology, the role of AI, and the possibilities of Artificial Biological Intelligence that will soon change the world. This tour of the ‘language of life’ is perhaps not for the faint hearted but well worth the effort. Readers learn how we got here and where we are headed.
It is where we are headed that should concern us all. Woolfson enumerates the advantages of how science could utilise rewritten or synthetic genomes. To mention a few such as rewriting plant genomes to cope with climate change and resist disease, so improving productivity and food security, addressing biodiversity loss, and tackling disease and ageing. He posits the idea of an AI interface mechanism that many could use for their own needs or desires. The latter being particularly frightening. There is perhaps an over enthusiasm here for the advantages without due concern for where it could all go wrong. It is as well to note that Woolfson is CEO of a company that is intending to profit from this technology, although that said, he does write of his concerns regarding bioethics and how this technology can be governed. He suggests an international framework, like the United Nations, a global body with regulatory powers, rather than leaving control to the private sector whose only logic is profit for shareholders.
And, on an even higher plane of wishful thinking, he theorises a global citizens body including every culture and religion, without political intrusion, to debate the issues of bioethics. Readers might wonder when in human history has there ever been general accord on a global scale, on any issue. Given the wildly different political ideologies existing today such ideas seem to be unrealistic. So here we are, science galloping into the unknown.
Highly recommended.
by Adrian Woolfson
(2027)
Bloomsbury
Paperback
ISBN: 978 1 5266 7096 0
$33.29; 480pp