Saturday, November 27, 2004

Chimera de Christina...

This article --Scientists debate creation of hybrids of animals, humans -- is the most interesting thing I have read all week. Possibly all month.

Seriously.

Scientist are calling the creatures melded from human and animal cells Chimera.

Kewl term.

It reminds me of Piers Anthony's books. Not due to content since Anthony's stuff was light and fluffy. There wasn't much "science" in his writing. It's just that several of his books -- from the Xanth and the Adept series, if I recall correctly from my elementary school cotton candy fantasy phase -- used the word.

Since I have always thought animals have intelligence and feelings and are more "human" than most humans like to admit, none of the compatibility of cells mentioned in the article below surprises me.

Or maybe the better way to put it is -- Humans are more animal than we like to admit.

Either way, it is interesting to contemplate my cells and those of my siblings infecting my mother's body. I wonder how much of me is running around in her?

Could it be that this cellular invasion is part of the reason moms "bond" with babies? When it goes "wrong" is postpartum depression the result?

Having read news reports of postpartum depression possibly contributing to a Texas mother killing her infant daughter by sawing off the baby's arms this week, I wonder... was it caused by bad blood? (not meant to be funny)

It's just that as more research is being done on cells of all varieties, it makes me wonder if some DNA may be invasive like that of a virus. If quail brain cells can cause quail behavior in other animals, what keeps other donated cells in check? (Think marrow, skin, organs, blood...)

Considering I routinely donate platelets which I am told go straight to those with compromised immune systems at the neonatal and cancer wards of San Antonio area hospitals -- how many Texans are running around with a bit of Christina up to no good in their systems?

Which of my characteristics might be most likely to seize hold? The physical -- such as junk in the trunk, no cavities ever, or a pale pinky complexion? Behavioral -- argumentative, highly verbal, or overly analytical? Or would the transfered traits be blood specific like a super high platelet count?

The whole thing makes those silly horror movies about grafted parts up to no good -- think The Hands of Orlac, The Eye, Body Parts and Angel Heart to name a few -- a little more eerie.

It also brings to mind what is probably the most applicable sci/fi book on this topic -- something I read back in high school -- a Heinlein titled I will fear no evil -- in which the protagonist has his brain transplanted to a healthy donor corpse only to discover the animus of the new body has not left. This is quality Heinlein -- think Stranger in a Strange Land.

Googling Heinlein just now, it is interesting to see he started an organization to encourage blood donation back in the 70s -- which continues to this day -- long after his death.

I've always liked Heinlein and most of his fiction. He was one of the first "public figure" Naval Academy grads I ran across who was completely egalitarian regarding women. Considering he graduated prior to WW II, this was remarkable to me.

Most of my elder fraternity brothers are complete asses regarding equal rights and are quite offended that I wear the ring without the proper plumbing. But having just skimmed the biography of Heinlein's wife, I am no longer surprised at the strength of his female characters.

Also interesting to note is how Heinlein's class rank at Annapolis was dropped 75% -- from 5 to 20 -- due to discipline problems. Having suffered a reduction in my class rank for the same reason, I had to laugh. Some things never change. Kill Joys continue to flourish. (Heinlein's bio is on the same page as his wife's.)

posted by Bohica at 9:12 AM