Here There Be Dragons

ThisNukes4u writes "The Economist reports that scientists in California are coming closer to creating real-life mythical animals. Basically, they re-create the natural selection process through a computer simulation and then clone the resulting set of DNA in a donor animal." From the article: "Each computer starts with a search image (dragon, unicorn, gryphon, etc), and the genome of the real animal most closely resembling it (a lizard for the dragon, a horse for the unicorn and, most taxingly, the spliced genomes of a lion and an eagle for the gryphon). The virtual genomes of these real animals are then tweaked by random electronic mutations. When they have matured, the virtual adults most closely resembling the targets are picked and cross-bred, while the others are culled."

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A Short Step from "Designer" People

[reporter]

This technology is just a short step from "designer" people. Eventually, you will be able to create the type of kids or soldiers which the parents or the army wants.

On 2005 August 24, Slashdot reported that Washington is working to develop laser cannons (i.e. "phasers").

On 2006 January 5, Slashdot reported that Washington is working to develop warp engines.

Now, on 2006 April 1, Slashdot is reporting about a technology that will enable us to create "supermen", like those described in the Star-Trek episode titled "Space Seed".

The above 3 technologies come directly from "Star Trek: The Original Series". Is there a cosmic reason for the sudden confluence of 3 key elements of Star Trek?

Gene Roddenberry's insight into the future is nearly impeccable. I am almost expecting first contact with the Vulcans.