The dark dystopia predicted by
Aldous Huxley manages to terrify his readers. With so many parallels being
drawn with the current future we are forced to question – is it possible that
we are heading towards a future like Brave New World?
There are three key process
carried out in the Hatchery: Bokanovsky process, in vitro reproduction and genetic
modification to separate different classes. In order to truly ascertain the
likelihood of our society eventuating to the brave new world, we must determine
the possibility of achieving these scientific process with the current technology
we have.'
BOKANOVSKY PROCESS
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| Bokanovsky's process |
In Bokanovsky process one egg is shocked with X rays in order
to cause it to proliferate to create up tp 96 healthy adults from one egg.
To what extent can we achieve this with our current
knowledge of science?
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| Depiction of cloning Dolly |
It is possible to clone embryos using a technique referred
to as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Normally, the ability to divide into
identical copies is unique to somatic cells via mitosis. However, by transplanting
the nucleus of a somatic cell into a host oocyte, the cell can be induced to
replicate mitotically, creating identical twins. In theory, an almost infinite
number of cells could be generated through this process. However, there are
limitations inherent in the pro
cess. This process places profound stress on
both the egg and introduced nucleus. In the most biologically significant clone
experiment to have been ever undertaken, involving a sheep called Dolly, 277
eggs were used for SCNT and only 29 embryos were ever viable. Out of those, only 3
survived till birth and only one every reached adulthood. This is not even
close to the quoted 16000 embryos, in the novel. Moreover, the biochemistry
encompassing the process is not fully understood. The resulting clones are also
not completely identical, since they still retain mitochondrial DNA.
IN VITRO FERTILISATION
Another key process that shocks readers in Huxley’s predicted
future is the use of in vitors fertilisation to create embryos externally.
 Depiction of an Artificial Uterus |
| Currently it is possible to achieve external fertilisation through the process of IVF. However once fertilization is complete the embryo must be put back into the mother’s womb for proper development. Our current research is not advanced enough to allow an embryo to grow independent of the mother’s uterus. However, if an artificial uterus were to be designed, it has been proposed that waste disposal could be carried out using dialysis. The oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide of the embryo could also be done through a process currently utilised called ECMO. However, growing a baby distinct from the uterus is not yet conceivable. There are many scientific hurdles impeding such an occurrence. Issues such as hormone stability and artificial nutrition are riddled with problems. Moreover, Infants who have been fed intravenously have a 5 year survival rate of 20%. There is also an unacceptable risk for intra ventricular haemorrhage. Given the limited number of embryos generated through the previous process, it is very unlikely that an artificial uterus will be viable. |
GENETIC MODIFICATION :
The final key process that takes place in the hatchery is
the genetic modification of embryos in order to separate them into 5 main
classes , where alpha and beta embryos are provided with ample nutrients whilst
the lower cast embryos are deprived these nutrients to lower their IQ.
How feasible is this process?
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| Use of alcohol to modify IQ in BNW |
Although the field of genetic modification has seem exponential growth in the past few years , little knowledge exists on modifying ones IQ. In fact IQ is not associated with anyth week of development. To reiterate, it is possible to lower one’s IQ
through injecting alcohol but it will also lead to severe developmental
problems. It is unlikely that the embryo will be grown artificially hence, a
human subject consuming alcohol will be hard to standardise across all birthing
volunteers. Likewise, Oxygen deprivation also carries extreme risks. You will
need to specifically target the brain and even that is risky in itself. Such a
process could result in embryo death. Children who have been oxygen deprived
have a greater propensity to develop ADHD, physical disabilities that tend
to be permanent, blindness, hearing impairments, intellectual and motor delays
throughout early life.
distinct part of the brain.
Any damage artificial or natural, risks loss of cognitive function such as
speech or language. The brain unlike other organs is so intricate and complex
and Science is still in its infancy. If the aforementioned hurdles were
suddenly resolved, injecting alcohol into an unborn embryo will further lead to
a whole host of problems. The eyes are the first component of the embryo to be
affected by alcohol. The cardiac cells of the heart can also be affected
adversely, from the 4
With science still at its infancy,
there seem to be many research hurdles to be overcome before we could eventuate
into the dark dystopian world predicted by Aldous Huxley. Nonetheless, we must
still take Huxley’s novel as a warning and remain cautious to ensure we never
succumb to the rapidly advancing technology in our society.
