APRIL 2050

The New Humans? Science Unveiled!

Retrovirus Reconstruction

VOLUME 23 ISSUE # 11

Researchers have identified a method of altering the human genome through the use of retroviruses. How does this work, and is it safe? What can us as a society can expect from this development?

Retrovirus

WHAT IS A RETROVIRUS? A Retrovirus as so termed is part of the family of Retroviridae. These viruses possess two copies of a single-stranded RNA genome. The hallmark of a retrovirus is its ability to undergo reverse transcriptase and then integrate the DNA into the hosts genome. Reverse transcriptase occurs when the single stranded RNA is turned into double stranded RNA. The process is reverse because normally DNA is converted into single stranded RNA. After infection with a retrovirus, it enters into the cellular environment and coats itself in the host cells cytoplasm. Through coating itself, it avoids being targeted by its hosts immune system and T cells. Once inside, it undergoes reverse transcriptase, turning its RNA genome into DNA and incorporating its entire genome into the genome of its host cell. The host cell carries on its normal cellular function as if not infected by the retroviral agent. However, as part of its newly incorporated DNA, it encodes for and produces proteins needed by the retrovirus.

The Next Step in Genetic Engineering: Homo Perfectus

Researchers of the New World Government believe they have discovered the next step in altering and perfecting the human genome. In their private laboratories in the Sierra Nevada mountains, these researchers have found a perfect medium for testing temperature ranges while being undisturbed in their experiments. Finally, they believe they have found a way to quickly and efficiently alter the genetic code of a human being, even as an adult. Through the use of vectors, recombination, splicing, and most importantly, retroviral transfer, these scientists believe they will be able to improve the human condition. Before this newfound discovery, genetic alteration was thought to only be implementable during a thin window of development. This thin window was during embryonic development through in vitro fertilization. Selecting the embryo type desired and having it manufactured from ones own sex cell was the norm. But now, in the advent of this new technology, even adults can become the superior humans they were meant to be.

In Vitro Fertilization

AUTHOR: SOMER CORBETT

555 Walnut Avenue, Suite 555 Chicago, Illinois 55555

APRIL 2050

Title or Headline Runs Here

VOLUME 23 ISSUE 11

How does it work?

Previously, retroviruses were believed to be dangerous. For example, the now eliminated AIDs virus that many people suffered and died from was known to be a retrovirus. However, scientist Richard Yan postulated in 2049 that we could revive old retroviral strains and alter their extremely simple RNA genome. Only a month after making a public statement on this thought, he opened a lab and began working. Entering the CDC viral database, he retrieved an old AIDs retroviral strain, and examined its genome. His first step was to splice the RNA into sections labeled as required for survival, dangerous, and alterable. The section labeled dangerous was quickly removed, negating the danger in the AIDs retrovirus itself. Next he used recombination on vectors to attach desired genetic codons to RNA codons necessary for function. These vectors were placed into the retrovirus which was then allowed to infect mice. The first genomic codon added was one that coded for a protein which blocks hexosaminidase A, an enzyme which breaks down and removes fatty lipids in the brain necessary to survival. The mice died. Upon autopsy, the mice were revealed to have died from an accumulation of fatty acid in the brain. Yans theory worked. Expanding this to genes needed to either block an extra protein that is being produced or to add a protein which is not being produced; this retroviral genomic introduction can be a cure for a many affected by an imperfect genetic code. Yan believes this step to be vital to creating the perfected humans, and opens his laboratory to volunteers to test the next step in his research: introducing desirable traits and characteristics and eliminating the less desirable.

To improve the human condition is to improve society, and to improve society, is to improve the government. Genetic perfection IS equality. - Richard Yan

GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGEMENTS The New World Government endorses this message and would like to reiterate its goals of peacefulness, collaboration and being united. In order to have peace, people must all be equal and perfect. There cannot be anything to fight for nor anything to desire or despise in another person. All people will be unique, but united in their perfection. The Government encourages all societal members in middle class and below to undergo experimental testing. Not only will you be collaborating and helping our society advance technologically, you will also be improving the self. Self-improvement is the crux of what it means to be a human. Do not forget to be a human, ensure your perfection today.

AUTHOR: SOMER CORBETT

555 Walnut Avenue, Suite 555 Chicago, Illinois 55555