ROME, APR 6 (ZENIT.org).- Given the news of the publication of the human genetic map, James Watson, co-discoverer with Francis Crick of DNA, explained its possibilities and limitations. Yesterday, Celera Genomics, a private enterprise specializing in biotechnological research, announced that it completed the first stage of the human genetic map. This is a critical step for the process of identifying future illnesses or handicaps in a person's genetic patrimony. After the announcement, Celera Genomics shares skyrocketed on Wall Street.

The Celera announcement stated that they had fully mapped the DNA of one human being. They want to map another 4 or 5 individuals to have a final copy of the genome. In contrast, the publicly funded Human Genome Project culls data about small sections of DNA from many different individuals. Both projects appear on track for a "final product" in about 2003.

In an interview published yesterday by the Italian newspaper "Il Messaggero," James Dewey Watson said that "Genetics will not allow us to control our future. An individual's life is influenced by too many accidental and unforeseen factors. We can be programmed genetically to have a long life and end up being victims of traffic accidents... 'Destiny' is a very large problem. But it is undeniable that knowledge of our genetic heritage will be very important and will help us to combat in time many terrible evils that can threatened our existence."

The ethical dilemmas appearing on the horizon are enormous, however. For example, if a married couple is expecting a child and they learn he will have handicaps like Stephen Hawking or Toulouse-Lautrec, what should they do? Abort and deprive humanity of a genius? "In face of a revolution like the Genome Project, even we scientists have our fears. But let's turn the question around," countered Watson. "Undoubtedly Hawking has faced and overcome very difficult conditions in life. But, if he had been cured in time and he had been assured of good health, who would have been able to complain? The heart of the problem is always acting in the interest of humanity."

Watson says he didn't see the point of testing himself, personally, for genetic problems. "At my age, 70, it wouldn't make much sense. But for someone who is young, it could change everything. Today, incurable diseases number around 30,000... To intervene in such a radius of action is extraordinary progress. We will be able to resolve dramatic situations. But be careful not to confuse the geneticist with a modern magician or astrologer. Thanks to genetics we will finally be able to have the truth rather than vain inferences."

Many Catholic moralists warn that although genetic technology will be very useful for the curing of disease, it has dangerous implications as well. A society dedicated to "purity" of the race or even just to the "beautiful people" could conceivably misuse such technology to destroy or change any human being who didn't fit into their mold. Laws are needed that specifically determine what uses of this technology are legitimate.
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