The human race is deteriorating genetically as a result of scientific medical advancements, says Rolf Hoekstra, Professor of Genetics at Wageningen University.
Mr Hoekstra believes that medical treatments interfere with the natural selection process and illustrates his point using the example of genetic infertility. Genetic infertility will probably increase due to the availability of medical techniques such as assisted reproductive technology, he says. The increase in infertility will take several centuries, but would take a lot longer through regular natural selection.
Professor Hoekstra is not opposed to advancements in medical science, “The previous century has shown us to what sort of barbaric behaviour eugenic governmental measures lead,” he says, “But we’ll have to accept that there is a downside to desirable behaviour.” He fears that medical advancements might have some unwanted side-effects in the future, such as an increase in the affordability of medical treatments.
Professor Hoekstra will give his farewell lecture at the university this Thursday.
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
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People should think more about prevention, about how to stay healthy and protect their life. We are under so much pressure and stress and we can`t forget about the fact that our organisms might not be that strong as some while ago. Think about the times we are living. Go see a doctor more often than usual! Go make a breath test, some blood research, a CT, just in case. You must always prevent instead of curing. It so much easier for you.
Hmmm . . . The Prof seem to confuse 'race' with 'species'. Otherwise, which race in particular is he talking about? And one would think a geneticist should know a thing or 2 about anthropology :-)
Hmmm . . . The Prof seem to confuse 'race' with 'species'. Otherwise, which race in particular is he talking about? And one would think a geneticist should know a thing or 2 about anthropology :-)
Yes, in a way medical interference has lead people to depend more upon medicines than on the body's inbuilt mechanism to heal itself. We tend to treat the symptoms and overlook the cause of the disease. Most of the diseases are psychosomatic and do not need medicines. Only organic diseases need medical intervention. But, the multinational pharmaceutical companies are forcing drugs down the throat of patients, through their doctors...These drugs have sideffects and do not let the body heal itself naturally, and that may eventually lead to cessation of some self healing mechanisms of the human body..in the future..
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