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Science | Art & Design | Computing | PSHE

How Frankenstein could save the modern world

Two hundred years ago, Mary ShelleyShe wrote Frankenstein as part of a contest to write a ghost story. Lord Byron and her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley competed against her.'s classic story Frankenstein was first published. It became a sensation, inspiring countless films and plays — not to mention plenty of dodgy Halloween costumes. But one thing that lies at the heart of the tale is a deep anxiety about the dangers of science. In the book the brilliant Victor FrankensteinA novel about a scientist who builds a monster out of different human body parts. The name “Frankenstein” refers to the monster’s creator rather than the creature itself. dreams of unlocking the "mysteries of creation" by single-handedly bringing a person to life. He scavenges some body parts and builds a giant hodgepodge humanoid, successfully sparking it into existence. But as his creature wakes, the doctor is overcome by its monstrosity — struck down by "breathless horror". The beast soon escapes, setting in motion a tragic tale of murder and revenge. In retelling this story, Victor Frankenstein gives us a warning: "Learn from me... how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge." Despite this message being over two centuries old, some think that it is now more vital than ever. Humans are developing ever greater powers to create and edit living things. Take genetic engineering. In recent years the invention of a gene-editing tool called CRISPRCRISPR-Cas9 allows scientists to remove, add or alter sections of DNA with ease and simplicity.  has opened up a world of possibilities, as well as dangers. According to one of its developers, Jennifer Doudna, the technique allows scientists to edit or delete genes in "virtually any living plant's or animal's genomeThe complete set of genes in an organism. ". Many uses have been predicted: from curing cancer, to engineering super intelligent humans. But Doudna concedes that it may also have "unintended consequences". For example, in a recent test scientists used CRISPR to cure blindness in mice. However, the procedure also caused over a thousand unforeseen effects on the animals. And it is not just biologists experimenting with life. Computer scientists are creating ever smarter artificial intelligence (AI) which, according to some, could one day become self-aware just like humans. Others may hope this never happens, like Stephen HawkingOne of the most revered modern physicists, he is best known for his book A Brief History of Time., who warned that AI could "spell the end of the human race". But should we heed Frankenstein's warning about the dangers of science? Arrogance is our downfall, some say. Dr Frankenstein was doomed because he tried to play God. In modifying our genes or creating super intelligent AI, we make the same mistake. The difference is that the extinctions and worldwide chaos which could follow will not be confined to books, but will happen for real. Great ambition leads to great progress, others respond. Sure, genetic engineering and AI are not without hazards. But nothing great was ever achieved that was risk free. What is more, the potential rewards which scientific progress brings easily outweigh the slim chance that things will go wrong. Q & A What do we know? Mary Shelley started writing the novel when she was just 18 years old as part of a ghost story competition with poets Percy Shelley and Lord Byron. According to the Open Syllabus Project, Frankenstein is now assigned in more American college classes than any other novel. What do we not know? How big an impact genetic engineering and artificial intelligence will have on human society. As of 2017 CRISPR was part of 20 human medical trials, mostly taking place in China. While there is much speculation about sentient AI, it has not yet been developed and it is not certain whether it is possible.KeywordsMary Shelley - She wrote Frankenstein as part of a contest to write a ghost story. Lord Byron and her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley competed against her.

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