Transhumanists argue that another scientific quantum leap has transported us from the human to the transhuman era ? a time when humankind itself is being manipulated and enhanced, leading to an unknown future where man, machine and technology will merge with startling results.

The author speculates that the recent decision to sell genetically modified fish that glow in the dark will open the floodgates to more "cosmetic" genetic modifications, possibly even for humans.

Bioethicists and scientists contemplating the future fear that genetic engineering and other technologies are going to divide human beings into genetic classes that may one day try to destroy one another.

The author briefly details the risks from human cloning and germ line engineering and concludes with a call for "a new social movement-committed to affirming the integrity of the human species and opposing the new techno-eugenics and the post-human ideology."

The authors argue that the human germline is part of the "global commons" and should be internationally protected by using the precautionary principle to restrain research.

A fascinating article on the possibility of advanced genetic engineering and cyborg technologies being able to endow humans with comic book superhero powers.

Tagging strands of DNA with tiny gold particles could allow scientists to switch genes on and off inside the body by remote control. The method could be used to tell cells when to produce specific proteins, such as insulin.

Drug cheats are on the verge of using genetic engineering to increase stamina and speed, sport scientists warn.
And they estimate that 2012 could be the first Olympics to have artificially produced super-athletes in action.

The author surveys the efforts of governmental advisory boards to come up with a strategy for dealing with the implications of the genetic revolution and concludes by calling for more resources to be devoted to public education and involvement.

Richard Hayes warns that scientists "are fast approaching the most consequential technological threshold in all of human history: the ability to directly manipulate the genes we pass on to our children."