Bitcoin Core developer intends to create genetically modified long-lived babies

Former engineer LedgerX, developer of Bitcoin Core and recognized master of high-speed typing Brian Bishop turned out to be a supporter of transhumanism ideas. In May last year, he and the scientist Max Berry, who previously worked at a major biotechnology company, opened their own enterprise, focused on creating designer babies and modifying the human germline.

This is where you get everything from bitcoin to gene therapy and everything in between. https://t.co/c8qH1YnDOu #crypto #genetherapy

– BDYHAX (@BDYHAX) February 4, 2019

According to Bishop, laboratory work has already begun, and the company has its first customers – a couple of potential parents. Bishop’s plans are to create transgenic children who can build muscle mass without having to do weightlifting, will have the genes for long-livers and a universal blood group.

Bitcoin developer hopes to get support from leading genetic scientist George Church of Harvard, who presented dozens of papers on improvements in PCSK9 and CCR5 genes.

Note that in November 2018, the Chinese scientist He Jiankui declared that the first genetically modified twin girls were born in his country this month.

Jiankui allegedly introduced mutations into the genes of human embryos as part of infertility treatment in seven childless couples, but he managed to achieve only one pregnancy. As a result, newborn babies carry DNA that contributes to the development of resistance against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Then the world scientific community exploded and split into two camps. The first one condemned any gene changes and demanded a strict moratorium; others suggested that there is a way to standardize technologies to increase safety.

Source Technology Review allegedly got access to a copy of the company's business plan and claims that Bishop intends to earn billions of dollars in creating hundreds of thousands of “improved” children. He is also not sure whether this is frank "nonsense" or "terrifying truth", emphasize in the publication.

It is noteworthy that Bishop and Berry intend to improve the processes in the male testicles and get genetically modified sperm to fertilize the egg, and not work directly with human embryos. They are convinced that the $ 2 million of funding will allow them to move from animal testing to the first volunteer.

“We have not started human trials yet, but we believe that this is ethical,” Bishop said.

We add that entrepreneurs pay for experiments on mice that take place in the laboratory at the Institute of Gerontology in Kiev.

Earlier, Brian Bishop warned the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about the dangers associated with the traditional approach to regulating Bakkt.

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