Biological excitement: the international and Australian revolution in genetic science

As we realise the dream to grow and reprogram our own stem cells in culture, removing concerns about using embryonic stem cells, we will be faced with a new challenge. Our normal cells, which we discard in millions during the course of a normal day under certain special circumstances, if implanted into a womb, these cells will have the potential to develop into another individual.

Such cells however are critical to development of new treatments for a range of devastating disorders and we will need strong international agreements to stop these cells being placed into the womb with all the ethical and medical risks that would entail.

Although, as a biologist, I might find it hard to admit that some of the more physical sciences are also making great advances, the combination of biology and physics in this area is one of enormous potential. Developments in materials science and biocompatible alloys are suggesting that true repair and even improvement of the human machine is becoming feasible. Already, we have very effective and virtually routine artificial hips, knees, heart valves and cochlear implants.

What has been happening in Australia?

Australia has a particularly proud record in health and medical research including amongst others Howard Florey and penicillin and John Cade and lithium. In more recent times, Barry Marshall revolutionised the treatment of ulcers and a vaccine for cervical cancer is being developed from research in Brisbane.

Another example, closer to home for me - at the Garvan Institute, we have discovered that a specific brain chemical controls not only appetite (particularly important given the current epidemic of obesity in our society) but the same neuropeptide also regulates the density and increases the strength of our bones. This is important, not just for the prevention and treatment of the crippling effects of osteoporosis, but imagine what it might mean for the Wallabies and our potential dominance of the Rugby World Cup.

Today, the practical advances we see in medicine are the results of research undertaken a decade or so ago. But also today, we see the continuing exponential advances in research outcomes that must similarly translate into health outcomes in the not too distant future.

Australia is also among the international leaders in stem cell research - leading in not only the science, but also in recognising the importance of balancing realisation of the potential of stem cells with recognition of genuine community concerns. Progress will only occur if the community can see that appropriate consultation and consistent ethical standards are an integral part of the scientific endeavour.

What of the future?

One could argue that our modern technology revolution is limited by our ancient biology. However, our biology database is now being updated to an extent that we are beginning to witness a corresponding biology revolution – initially directed at major diseases and improvements in quality of life but then at improving life itself.

Understanding what goes wrong in the loss of control of cell division in cancer also means that we unlock the secrets of how to control cell growth and aging; understanding the chemical signalling abnormalities that cause mental illness also means that we gain insight into the brain chemistry underlying behaviour; understanding and preventing the loss of neurons in Alzheimer's disease also means opportunities to enhance memory formation.

Why are we afraid of reworking our own biology?

As we begin to understand the complex and coordinated interactions between genes and between the myriad of chemicals and molecules that they encode, we inevitably begin to modify and adjust them.

From the very beginnings of the human race, we have always used technology to transform the world around us. Now it is inevitable that we will change our biology and our internal environment, as in the past we have changed our external environment. It is this perception that humanity is at the threshold of reworking its own biology – controlling its own evolution – that troubles so many people. But what are we really concerned about?

As with any new rapidly developing technology, there are immediate and real concerns:
Concerns about: