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> Unlocking the ability to target specific genes will overcome this since the same tech that allows targeting only cancer cell will allow targeting specific gro
by golergka 9y ago
> Unlocking the ability to target specific genes will overcome this since the same tech that allows targeting only cancer cell will allow targeting specific groups or individuals.
Filtering for specific genes doesn't offer any evolutionary advantage to a theoretical pathogen, so why wouldn't it very quickly evolve our of this artificial limitation?
- badosu 9y agoApart from checking the feasibility of the proposition I could imagine a few factors: - For evolution to occur in this directed way there should be some natural selection mechanism present. If the pathogen is able to reproduce and spread then it is fit, even if its genetic code is in a 'corrupt' state. - Even if there was some mechanism present, there still would be some generations apart for the fluctuation to smooth, so if the objective was a short term goal it would be successful.
- crusso 9y agoIANAGB (Genetic Biologist)... but pathogens rely on markers for identifying targets susceptible to their attacks and sometimes for finding their specific attack points. Additionally, some types of attacks are only viable for specific organisms (based upon their genetics).
- YouAreGreat 9y agoDon't filter the vector, just the payload.
- crusso 9y agoThat's a good point. Then there's no mutation advantage to the organism for the payload filter to attach to new binding sites. The organism will infect everyone and any increase in its virility won't make the payload any more likely to affect unintended targets.