Lintao Zhangy/Getty Images
That seems to be the question behind a new opinion piece in this week's journal Nature. As scientists uncover the genes that help people become world-class sprinters or record-breaking skiers, the idea that medals are won with just hard work, sweat and tears begins to feel outdated, according to the authors.
"When you start sequencing [the genes] of lots and lots of human beings, what we're going to find out is that we're more different than people had realized," said Steve Gullans, a managing director of Excel Venture Management in Boston, who co-wrote the piece with his colleague Juan Enriquez.
Already, Gullans said, DNA tests have shown that some Olympic athletes have distinct advantages. Finnish cross-country skier and seven-time Olympic medalist Eero Mntyranta, for example, carried a mutation in his EPOR gene that meant he produced up to 25 percent more red blood cells than the norm. That mutation gave Mntyranta an edge because his blood carried more oxygen than the blood of people without the mutation, Gullans told LiveScience. And that raises the question of whether "gene doping," or gene therapy to improve performance, should be banned.
"If someone else is carrying the EPOR receptor that I don't have, why shouldn't I be able to give it to myself to play on an equal playing field?" Gullans said. [7 Amazing Superhuman Feats]
The genome and the Olympics
Gene doping has been banned by the International Olympic Committee since 2003, though the actual therapies that could boost athletic performance remain largely theoretical. Nevertheless, gene therapy is becoming more common, raising new questions, Gullans said. Suppose scientists invented a gene-therapy procedure to cure sickle-cell anemia in babies, he said. Would a child who received the treatment forever be banned from the Olympics?
As the rules are written today, they likely would, Gullans said. The World Anti-Doping Agency rules prohibit "the transfer of nucleic acids or nucleic acid sequences" and "the use of normal or genetically modified cells" if those methods have "the potential to enhance sport performance."
This prohibition is much broader than the ban on drugs, which are split into performance-enhancing and allowed categories, Gullans said. It's likely that officials will have to grapple with a number of ethical gray areas as genetic manipulation advances.
Another example: Imagine that a genetic treatment could slow aging, so that people stayed healthy and youthful until after they were 100 years old, Gullans said. Would Olympic athletes be the only people forced to abstain?
Visit link:
Scientist Suggests That Genetic Engineering Will Kill The Olympics
- Who are We? [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Vilsack targeted for his Pro-GMOs stand [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Call for technology to produce cellulosic ethanol [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Kenyan scientists weigh on GMOs [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Indian researcher makes a case for biotechnology [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Michigan smoothens the way for alternative energy investors [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Link of ethanol use to high food prices questioned [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- EU challenges France on GM Maize [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- POET rolls out cellulosic ethanol plant [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- There’s a bright future for cellulosic ethanol investment [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Cellulosic ethanol can considerably reduce gasoline use by 2030 [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Background [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - History [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Methods [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Uses [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - Controversy [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - In popular culture [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human genetic engineering - An Introduction [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Human Genetic Engineering - A Very Hot Issue! [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- What are the risks of genetic engineering in humans? (human genetic engineering) [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- What are the benefits of human genetic engineering? (human genetic engineering) [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Genetic Engineering - Ethics and Controversy [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Genetic Engineering Ethics In Science Fiction [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Genetic Engineering Ethics [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2009]
- Welcome to Pest Control Exterminator Network [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- OMD - Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- X-Ray Spex - Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (2-6) [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- Human-Plant Hybrid (Genetic Engineering at Home) [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (1-6) [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2011]
- 3. Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2011]
- Genetic engineering nightmare [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (3-6) [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2011]
- Future of genetic engineering - by Futurist Dr Patrick Dixon. Genetic mutations and genetic disorders. Gene science by conference keynote speaker [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2011]
- Genetic engineering: The world's greatest scam? [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Watch Fed Up! Genetic Engineering, Industrial Agriculture and Sustainable Alternatives Full Movie Online Part 1/15 [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (5-6) [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering, Humans with Animals. [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Is Genetic Engineering Good for the Environment? [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Open Source Food and Genetic Engineering - Michael Pollan [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien ( demons ) Nephilim Giants, Mutants Genetic Engineering and Hybrids.avi [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- MUST SEE : Genetic Engineering Corn Grows in Sand ! For Those That Appreciate Nature ! [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Designing Humanity - Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Genetic Modification | QUEEN ANNE SCIENCE CAFE [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering in California Agriculture [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering Animation [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Proof Of Ancient Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Joad Cressbeckler Fears Genetic Modification Causes 'Wrath-Minded Taters' [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Ethical Concerns With Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Scientists under Attack - Genetic Engineering in the magnetic Field of Money TRAILER [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Genetic Modification [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering Not a New Science - Pamela Ronald [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- The Island of Dr. Moreau prt. IV [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (4-6) [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- 4. Genetic Engineering (cont.) [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- Ancient Alien Nephilim, Giants, Mutants, Genetic Engineering, and Hybrids (6-6) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Islands at Risk (Part 3) - Genetic Engineering in Hawai'i [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Morgellons Is Genetic Engineering , A Silent Superbug [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Islands at Risk (Part 2) - Genetic Engineering in Hawai'i [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The Ethics of Genetically Engineering Children - Arthur Caplan [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Disney Geneticists Debut New Child Stars [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering and Society, Lecture 1a, Honors Collegium 70A, UCLA [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- OMD - Genetic Engineering (312mm Version) (Audio Only) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The difference between normal and genetically modified food [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Bioethics Of Human Genetic Engineering - Documentary Video [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Islands at Risk (Part 1) - Genetic Engineering in Hawai'i [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Coast To Coast AM: Genetic Engineering 3-24-2011 Download Link [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Lloyd Pye - Ancient Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- X RAY SPEX - ROUNDHOUSE LONDON GENETIC ENGINEERING - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- OMD - Genetic Engineering 1983 - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- OMD - GENETIC ENGINEERING - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Mechanism of Recombination - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Harvard Prof. Michael Sandel on Human Genetic Modification, Berkeley, CA, 7 May 2007 - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering [Medical Ethics Series] - (excerpt) - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Genetic Engineering and Society, Lecture 1b, Honors Collegium 70A, UCLA - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Genomics: genetic modification (genetic engineering) and the human gene project - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Genetically Engineering Intelligent Babies - Horizon: Are We Still Evolving? Preview - BBC Two - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- "GENETIC ENGINEERING" GERMAN REGIME feat THIRSTIN HOWL THE3RD - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Science 360: Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- UFOTV Presents... - Bad Seed: Danger of Genetically Modified Food - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]