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Just a wild thought: if aliens wanted to change a genome of some species, what are the chances they would construct viruses to do that? AFAIK CRISP uses somethi
by vbezhenar 6y ago
Just a wild thought: if aliens wanted to change a genome of some species, what are the chances they would construct viruses to do that? AFAIK CRISP uses something similar.
- irjustin 6y agoAh is that what's in the black goo?
- remram 6y agoThat would probably only work if it gave the altered species a significant advantage (or if you had a system to detect and penalize/eliminate individuals depending on their genome, at scale).
- koeng 6y agoOr you gene drive them.
- deleted 6y ago[deleted]
- klyrs 6y agoAt this point in time, do you really think that viruses are incapable of sweeping the globe and infecting a significant fraction of humanity, if they don't provide a benefit to the host?
- remram 6y agoThe parent was more specific and asked about changing a species's genome. Infecting everyone does not lead to a change in genome if they die (or fight it off). Assuming a low percent of the infected get their genome changed or produce offspring with altered genome, those don't take over.
- kridsdale1 6y agoThey don't need to provide a benefit. They only need to not reduce fertility.