A tweak of the genes to conquer the computers

By JEREMY REES and AGENCIES

Scientist Stephen Hawking has raised the spectre of a Terminator-style future in which computers will take over the world unless we beat them by adopting genetic modification.

The author of the best-selling book A Brief History of Time says computers are developing far more rapidly than humans.

Therefore, he says, we must change our DNA or be left behind.

"In contrast with our intellect, computers double their performance every 18 months," he told a German news magazine, Focus.

"So the danger is real that they could develop intelligence and take over the world."

To combat it, he recommended "well-aimed manipulation" of human genes.

Humans could "raise the complexity" of the DNA they were born with, "thereby improving people".

Hawking, a professor of mathematics at Cambridge University and probably the world's most recognised scientist, conceded that the road to genetic modification would be a long one.

But he said: "We should follow this road if we want biological systems to remain superior to electronic ones."



Hawking, whose brilliance has not been dimmed by the motor neurone disease that has severely disabled him physically, advocates cyber-technology - direct links between human brains and computers.

"We must develop as quickly as possible technologies that make possible a direct connection between brain and computer, so artificial brains contribute to human intelligence rather than opposing it."

His comments point to a world close to that of films like Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which shows humanity under siege from Machines determined to annihilate imperfections.

They also come as debate on genetic modification, including changes to humanity, raises new ethical dilemmas.

Scientists such as Italy's Dr Severino Antinori have raised the possibility of cloning a human being.

And the genome project to crack the entire code of human DNA opens up the ability to alter the chemical strands to get rid of genes predisposed to sickness, disabilities or dangerous conditions.

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