You know when you read an article on how to build your own robot (a lot like LEGO) on a general public website like MarketWatch or the latest in surveillance tech, things are indeed rapidly changing. The robot article reminds me of the early days of computer kits, but in this case, way more sophisticated, reflecting the progress we have already made.

I discussed automation and artificial intelligence (AI) briefly in my last post. I say "briefly" because any one of the many topics and trends I am raising in this short series could be the basis of a book, at the very least. Detailed information can be found easily on the Internet and it is not my purpose to try and cover it all here.

Today I would like to talk about genetic engineering and the field of genomics, the study of the entire human genome (DNA, RNA, and much, much more) and its interaction with its environment. I am very fortunate to be able to provide you with a link to someone who can do a far better job than I can of describing the situation from a balanced perspective, with technical authority, and with a concern for both the "mechanical" and moral issues involved.