Watching a TV show on paleo-geneticists who are researching the possibility of recreating dinosaurs using chicken embryos and fossilized DNA raised a question in my mind they didn't address.
Considering the economy and budget constraints on scientific research, is this the best use of grant money? Are the results of this research going to increase our body of knowledge or provide a benefit to humanity in some way? In short, is this research important and necessary?
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No knowledge gained is ever a waste.
That said, I'd be more worried about the poor dinosaur. What kind of life would he have?
True, but these days of scarce funds we need to prioritize. I'm not convinced this should be a priority.No knowledge gained is ever a waste.
Good point, and that raises another unanswered question.That said, I'd be more worried about the poor dinosaur. What kind of life would he have?
What would we do with these things? There's really no place in our modern society for a dinosaur. Of course chicken-sized ones shouldn't be a problem, but what if someone recreates a truly dangerous critter?
The Forum Rules
Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.
[John F. Kennedy]
The principal value of debate lies in the development of logical thought processes, and the ability to articulate your positions publicly.
[Senator Dick Clark of Iowa]
The presence of those seeking the truth is infinitely to be preferred to the presence of those who think they've found it.
[Terry Pratchett]
Is it the most innately productive use? No. It is, however, the most awesome use because dinosaurs are awesome.
Sometimes you just have to consider a different kind of utility. Awesomeness is a utility, as is publicity that will increase the public's interest in science and that could possibly attract more grant dollars. Also while the Evangelicals are distracted by protesting that if God had meant for there to still be dinosaurs he'd have put them on the Ark maybe we can cure HIV or Alzheimer's or something. Oh, and dinos are cool.
The more you complain, the less I care about your problems.
Nope, it is a waste of grants. Nope, it is not necessary. Yes, research is important. Yes, let the humans waste more money on nothing. Aww, government, grants, money, waste. That is what humans do best,,, waste. DNA, is a good question. I say, let us waste more money on this research!! (will it save my children?)?? Good debate Jack, thank you!!Quote by: Jack
If a T-Rex gets loose in San Diego, an A-10's 20 mm cannon would make short work of it. You needn't worry.Of course chicken-sized ones shouldn't be a problem, but what if someone recreates a truly dangerous critter?
I'll also echo the sentiment that no knowledge gained is ever wasted. I suspect no one could contemplate the technological benefits of quantum mechanics; but here we are today with all the applications of the impossibly small.
A man said to the universe:
"Sir, I exist!"
"However," replied the universe,
"The fact has not created in me
A sense of obligation."
-- Stephen Crane
Good gawd! Didn't anyone read Jurassic Park? It was meant to DETER this sort of thing occuring in genetic engineering. Bad idea! Bad idea! Heed the words of Dr. Ian Malcolm!
They closed NASA down for this?
I'm here to express my ideas, not to defend them. If there is any truth to them, they will defend themselves.
By the way, what was the original source for this interesting piece of news?
I'm here to express my ideas, not to defend them. If there is any truth to them, they will defend themselves.
As I said in the OP, "...a TV show on paleo-geneticists". If you want to pursue the topic further just Google "recreating dinosaurs with DNA" for lots of links and videos.
The Forum Rules
Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.
[John F. Kennedy]
The principal value of debate lies in the development of logical thought processes, and the ability to articulate your positions publicly.
[Senator Dick Clark of Iowa]
The presence of those seeking the truth is infinitely to be preferred to the presence of those who think they've found it.
[Terry Pratchett]
Be a helluva blow to theists whose praying to God can't grow new limbs for amputees, if the research paid off somehow in discovering how the lizards are able to regrow tails and limbs that might apply to thalidomide folk, amputees, or the paralyzed. Diversity in research can have such unexpected surprises it's hard to predict what might come of their endeavors.
If the terrain and the map do not agree, follow the terrain.
When motherhood becomes the fruit of a deep yearning, not the result of ignorance or accident, its children will become a new race.
Let's do it! ... Those things might be tasty! They'll fry 'em up and serve 'em at Mardi Gras for SURE!
Seriously, couldn't we gain more by genetically engineering Einstein or Newton or Gallileo?
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