Question Human + Tardigrade DNA?

[Yootiful]

There isn't a separate section for genetics, so I guess I'll just post this here...

If we do manage to merge tardigrade DNA with human DNA, what does this do to our perception of the "tree of life?"

Tardigrade DNA Added to Human Cells Could Help Us Survive on Mars, Scientist Says

Will we one day combine tardigrade DNA with our cells to go to Mars?

www.livescience.com

Even if they start with mice, it's still a convergence of branches... on the other hand, we know that some merges took place eons ago in the early days of life, before we got all specialized (mitochondria, anyone?). At least we're all from the same planet. For now!

Meanwhile, untold numbers of bacteria species and viruses are happily experimenting with us too. Fair.

 

[jeanna]

That's an interesting question. The idea of gene-editing would mean humans would just have a tiny bit of DNA from tardigrades spliced in. It would be as if humans were evolving to have resistance to radioactivity. Tardigrades are cute to look at for sure but I, for one, do not want any more than a tiny big of their DNA. If anyone else has any opinions on this, I'd love to hear - about the tree of life question that is!

 

[Hayseed]

We know very little of "life". We highly suspect that DNA is a large part of this mystery. We need to experiment and study this DNA for further understanding. It's very expensive. There needs to be a benefit and a need for this kind of money, more than just for curiosity. A pay off. This is where marketing comes in. The marketing promises huge profits for the miracles to come.

Some take this marketing as reality and try some of these narratives out, without realizing the ignorance and danger of this field of science. A mistake in this field, could kill billions of people.

It is much more important to regulate this lab work, than nuc weapons and climate change.