ULTIMATE COMPUTING - Quantum Consciousness Studies

Viruses/Ambiguous Life Forms 189
to cure genetic diseases. A number of hereditary diseases could thus be treated by
genetic manipulation using bacteriophages. A first step would be having a
retrovirus insert a therapeutic gene into the DNA of cells deficient in that
particular gene. A promising area might be diseases of blood cells which
proliferate continuously. Related ideas are to use membranes, virus protein coats,
or other proteins to transport drugs to immuno-targeted intracellular destinations
(“magic bullet”).
Unfortunately, viruses may also be utilized as diabolical weapons, capable of
infecting large populations. However like other technological “double-edged
swords,” their potential benefit is even greater. Nanotechnology combined with
genetic engineering could lead to virus-like entities which could stalk and destroy
lethal infectious agents, malignant cells, atherosclerotic plaques which obstruct
blood vessels, scar tissue which limits nerve regeneration, neurofibrillary tangles
associated with senile dementia, and perhaps other diseases. Future virus-like
“nano-doctors” may be making cellular house calls.