Its our genes, or to be more precise; our DNA, that programs us to be who we are. But what if we could transform and enhance ourselves by somehow editing these genes? Or what if we could fabricate better human beings by genetically engineering them before they are even born into existence? 

Until a few months ago, all this would have been mere science fiction but thanks to a research group from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, this is no longer the case. 

The team have built a machine, constituting of a network of flasks, tubes, pumps and control instruments, that is capable of editing DNA. Its functions by hijacking the natural process of DNA replication and causes them to instead swap small sequences of letters known as “condons” for new codons of synthetic DNA.

Its not just that such a breakthrough is going to generate whole new industries and completely transform the future. Its also the fact that Doctors will soon be able to edit the DNA letters that code for heritable diseases as well as rendering the body to be immune to diseases like HIV, influenza and the flu. For all we know, this machine is the very beginning to wiping away all sickness from humanity as it opens the possibility of simply editing out the genes responsible for Down’s syndrome, Hunnington’s disease and much more.