Personal Genetic Body Modification

[BlackThorn]

Okay. Say a new branch science has just come into existence and been perfected, away from the public eye, that splices genetics of humans. You could get your genes spliced, and your body would modify accordingly.

Ever wanted to be taller? Have a different color hair, or even, be of a different race?

There was an episode of a new Batman animated series that used this concept, only it used splicing in genes of animals to acquire the genetic traits of that animal, such as having cats eyes that reflected light and provided night vision, or even having claws or a tail from other specific animals spliced into your genes.

In the episode of Batman, the practice was quickly outlawed after it was realized, so everybody had to get theirs right after they heard about it if they were to get them before the process became illegal.

So if you could modify your personal genetics, but for a limited time only, would you, and which direction would you go?

[LadyPain]

I'd get my genetics spliced with DNA for a normal immune system. That would improve my quality of life so much.

Of course, I've always wanted to be a redhead...

[SiN_kInG]

too many flaws to mention really...but ultimately i guess i'm happy enough with the way i am. stemming the hereditary baldness which will eventually catch up with me would be tempting though

[Todash]

I'd get my genetics spliced with DNA for a normal immune system. That would improve my quality of life so much.

Of course, I've always wanted to be a redhead...

I'm with LadyPain. Please to give me my normal immune system back, thanks bunches. I wouldn't mind being a bit taller as well.

[themadone06]

Well I personally wouldn't do this because messing with human genetics and all of this stuff is screwing with nature/god/whatever you believe.

But, if I could change one thing it would be thinner. I am not obese or fat or anything, about 215 pounds, but damn all those years of trying to keep my weight up for football took their toll. I can't seem to get below the 210 line no matter how hard I try.

[PatInTheHat]

Two extra fingers and webbed feet ala carte my good man, and make that to go if you please!
I mean really, who couldn't use two extra fingers...I uhhh, just happen to dig webbed feet.

[Patricia A]

It's taken near on to 50 years to learn how to live in the skins I came with. I think I'd purely freak out with new stuff.
I can't say that what I've got now is the best, but I can say it's the best I got.
I'll count blessings and go from there.
Great question though.

[BlackThorn]

Nobody wants three arms? Eyes in the back of their heads?

Well, I figure I could use tougher skin, for one. And to be really strong too... (like, punch a hole through a garbage truck without breaking a sweat type strong) I'd love some kind of bone shell on the outside, that was my skin. I'd have to make claws for the hands, with multiple spike points, so I could backhand a tree, and leave four deep scars into it.

I'd need horns, and let's make 'em aerodynamically protrude from my head, like a wolfs ears when he's running at full tilt. Enough so if someone tried to catch or grab me, I could swing or jar my head a bit, and sink that bone-shard on my scull deep into some part their body.

I'd want bone shard shins, designed as natural protection and attack weapons. So I slide to my elbows and knees as I was flying down the highway on rollerblades, to duck under a tractor trailer truck, then pop back up after, and not even feel worse for wear.

The knee and elbow shard plates would have to end with a blade-like protrusion too, so those could be jarred or swung to break something, too.

The blue in my eyes can be turned up, so they glow like a eerie ghost-lights just slightly when the light hits them right.

Of course, all of this wouldn't to do normal society stuff. I'd find an 'in' in a government program, that could take a mentally unstable killing machine, and drop it into the depths of the danger zone of some sort of special forces operation. I would disavow that I was ever even human if caught, much less worked for the 'Operation of Special Intelligence', to give terrorists something to really be afraid of.

Possibly wings too. Of the gargoyle variety... although, that might make me easier to grab or catch on something, so they'd have to be designed by the one who usually trains the geniuses... (just a genius wouldn't cut it)

[Cowboy]

I don't know about genetic altering, but the thought of a etch-a-sketch mounted in my chest and knobs instead of nipples is pretty appealing to me. If I ever became mute, I could still communicate easily enough. If the kids became bored, there would be something to do for them. I just wouldn't be crazy about jumping up and down to erase the board.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

My wife was asked this question on a live radio show once.

She replied that she would like an extra vertebrae and a prehensile tail.

Neither the interviewer or her mother understood, but I spilled my coffee!

Long days and pleasant nights