Can We Genetically Engineer Humans for Space?

Traveling far distances in space is difficult, but advances in jet propulsion and genetics are making it possible. Trace is joined by Dr. Kiki Sanford to discuss how by altering the genes in our own bodies, we can make ourselves more fit to survive on other planets!

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[pbj]

A genetically modified human really is the best way to go for those headed out into space. Humans who are colonizing particular planets or moons would have modified characteristics that would make them much better suited. They would essentially be a different species over time. Kind of reminds me of the pair of finches that flew to the Galapagos islands and over time evolved into hundreds of species which filled every available ecological niche, all from the same original pair. Really cool stuff is on the horizon assuming we don't blow ourselves up first.

[abdalaez]

LOL, i can't get enough of this channel ! i watched over 30 video in 2 days  !

[TheDoubledshing]

Trace is so into this and so fascinated. Just look at his face at 1:05 ^^... awesome

[FaridAbbasbayli]

Your title question is wrong. Like all those other previous "Can we X?" questions.
The correct question is "WHEN can we X?"

[JaMaAuWright]

I for one welcome this technology with open arms. We are only here today because of the way we evolved, and we are now intelligent enough to understand that. Why then, should we be afraid to take charge of our own species, and evolve past anything natural selection could produce? This is just the next step in our evolution.

[obsidiancakes]

Regenerating limbs would be amazing! Although, there are kids at my high school who would hack their arms off to get out of school work until their arms would grow back -.-

[applesaregoodeatings]

More than ever our after hour work is never over. 1:51

[MogofWar]

Print organisms on demand?  So that's how the Barracks in StarCraft work!

[djunior]

Finally someone addresses the topic of human augmentation in space travel. I can't find it anywhere else on the internet. However, I think mechanical augmentation is more likely and probably easier in the near future than genetic enhancement. It will mean we can survive in very harsh environments.

[Neuralatrophy]

I read a book once where they did something like that to move humans across space. They made micro wormholes through space, ground up their astronauts and fed em through a straw to the other side. Self assembling machinery, transported in the same way would receive the biomass and regenerate the bodies on the other side. Not 3d printing, but similar in a way. The details are fuzzy, it was a long time ago I read that.

[colinmeltesen]

nice one of the first few to see this :D

[larz]

wow, it's seems to be that this two scientist have some action!! wow! congrats

[Linkous]

If anyone is interested in some of the speculation concerning adapting ourselves for space travel (or space travel ultimately changing us) I recommend hunting down "All Tomorrows" by C.M. Kosemen ("Nemo Ramjet") on the interwebs. It's a wild ride.

[ZainHallows]

it begins with printing humans, and then becomes "HEY! I want to have the arms of a gorilla and a wolf's tail!" and then...well..."yeh just make me like this" *gives 3d model of what ever*

[KafshakTashtak]

Just give us Wifi in our brains, that would be all.

[-Miasimon]

Before we even think about genetically engineered humans... start on turtles... for reasons.

[bluelense]

Strange coincidence that I just finished watching "Susei no Gargantia" which touched on this subject.

[Szywix]

If we humans want to be futuristic stellar travellers, we are going to have to learn to accept things like genetic modification. Today's moral standards make that incredibly -iffy, and it will probably be quite a few decades before we (as a society) are open-minded enough to try it.
I hope we see this kind of stuff in our time. I really do.

[nilayjain]

I wish you guys discussed the morality of the situation and the Theseus's paradox. At what point do we diverge into a new species. Do we treat humans with modifications differently. Can we do that to babies who haven't had a chance to choose for themselves. Is natural evolution safer or better than artificial evolution? these questions need to asked and discussed so we can prepare for the future. seems like these technologies are not question of if but when. love the show!

[DrSeuss]

I just finished listening to a genetic engineering presentation in my school, when I found this video.