Futurist Juan Enriquez and scientist Steve Gullans conduct a sweeping tour
of how humans are changing the course of evolution for all species--
sometimes intentionally, sometimes not. For example: What if life forms are
limited only by the bounds of our imagination? Are designer babies and
pets, de-extinction, even entirely newspecies fair game?; As humans,
animals, and plants become ever more resistant to disease and aging, what
will become the leading causes of death?; Man-machine interfaces may allow
humans to live much longer. What will happen when we transfer parts of our
'selves' into clones, into stored cells and machines? Though these
harbingers of change are deeply unsettling, the authors argue we are also
in an epoch of tremendous opportunity. Future humans, perhaps a more
diverse, resilient, gentler, and intelligent species, may become better
caretakers of the planet--but only if we make the right choices now.--
Provided by publisher.