Homo interstellar
Author: БАКК БАЛИНТ / БАКК БАЛИНТ

Preface
If we look at the species that have lived on Earth throughout history, we come to the conclusion that 99% of the species that lived in the past have become extinct. Over billions of years of evolution, these extinctions have occurred cyclically, and there may come a time when the last person will become a victim of time. Should we accept this situation? Can a person become the owner of his own evolution? Will humanity be able to avoid the extinction that awaits it?
In my work, I will explore the possibility of genetic modification of a person in such a way that he is capable of extraterrestrial life. Whether it's the Moon or Mars, and, of course, further expeditions to explore deep space. I will discuss first of all the biological aspect of man. It is not my task to discuss the development of space rockets or spacecraft as vehicles for the transfer of terrestrial conditions. I also do not set out to discuss terraforming and para-terraforming, which are extremely complex from a technological point of view.
I believe that for the long-term survival of our species, it is necessary that we be present on several planets and spaceships at the same time.

Discussion
A huge amount of data has been collected over the last century. This data comes from the International Space Station, from a base on the Moon and, of course, from numerous expeditions to Mars. Cosmomics, which includes the interaction of cosmo-genes, has given many analyses. By combining it with other omics, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of how different genetic, epigenetic pathways work. By regulating them safely and effectively, we now have the ability to prevent and treat diseases.
Let's not forget that we live in an era of post-singularity. Huge achievements in the field of bio-, nano- and cognitive technologies combined with powerful artificial intelligence lead us to a symbiotic human-machine state. Thanks to the expansion of the neocortex and the strengthening of the intelligence of our brain, we are invited to make better predictions and ensure the progress of humanity.

Genetic modification
Early methods of gene discovery and gene targeting started with viral vectors. They have come a long way from endonucleases, through the method of transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases, to nucleases with zinc fingers, to cluster regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats.
It is an RNA-driven gene editing tool that is a simple and effective therapeutic system. Over the past century, delivery and security challenges have been overcome through the development of various protocols and strategies. Now it is used not only for in vivo gene therapy, but also to create designer babies. This is a tool that can now be used to modify adult somatic cells and for in vitro fertilization of zygotes. In addition, it is important to emphasize the wide range of epigenome manipulation methods that are available today and can be used safely and effectively to regulate DNA methylation.

Gravity and radiation
Radiation is one of the biggest dangers in space. However, there are microscopic tardigrade animals that can withstand complete dehydration and X-rays that cause DNA damage. After mapping the tardigrade genome, we found that well-preserved genes are responsible for this, so we can apply this method first to human cells, and now to whole human organisms. Of course, living organisms can adapt to extreme conditions in various ways, and using them, a person can always improve one step further.
The change in gravity also leads to changes in the epigenetic regulation of the human body and increases DNA damage. Because even the activity of telomeres works according to the laws of physics, quantum physics, that is, we cannot control the gravity of the planet, so it is very important to transplant genes into the human body that could solve this problem. In addition, thanks to nanobiotechnological diagnostic systems controlled by advanced artificial intelligence, any changes can be detected immediately and treatment with the right drugs can be started in a timely manner.
Nutrients
The human body, in principle, is not able to produce the necessary nutrients and vitamins, but must receive them through our nutrition. However, do not forget that a person forms a community with ten times more microorganisms than his own cells. On the one hand, it is possible to construct human prototrophs, but the genetic modification of these microorganisms is also a way to synthesize these very important nutrients. Perhaps a person can survive by feeding on the soil of Mars.

Isolation
During a flight lasting several years, it is also especially important for astronauts to maintain their psychological health. Thanks to molecular psychology, we have been able to identify the genes responsible for mental illness, and silencing them is one of the solutions. On the other hand, advanced brain-computer interfaces are a great way to keep in touch with the Earth, family, friends and relatives, as well as have fun. In virtual reality, they can spend part of their days together without actually being millions of kilometers away from each other.

Synthetic biology
In conclusion, I would like to tell you about the most interesting project at the moment. At the base on Mars, we are now growing synthetically created human embryos in artificial wombs, genetically modified specifically for existence in space. I believe that the success of this project is a guarantee that humanity will be able to break into deep space and scatter the seeds of life on suitable planets.

Ethical aspect
Genetic modification of the human genome is a moral imperative, both to reduce the differences, diseases and inequalities that result from genetic giftedness, and to prepare it for the long-term survival of mankind in space.

Conclusion
I think we've come a long way. We are on more planets, we have expanded ourselves thanks to all the possibilities that technology offers. And now we are working to enable insignificant humanity to go beyond its Solar System, and then, in the longer term, to begin the exploration of deep space.


Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4785013/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB-YAZN-w0Q
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330737182_CRISPRCas9_technology_as_a_potent_molecular_tool_for_gene_therapy_KARIMIAN_et_al
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature.2016.20648.pdf
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-06-27/to-get-to-mars-the-human-body-may-need-some-updates?leadSource=uverify%20wall