The self-described "Living Nostradamus," Athos Salomé, cautions that the possibility of genetically modified hybrid humans with animal characteristics may not be far off.
He asserts that their intelligence and physical prowess may exceed those of "normal" humans.
Salomé cites Japan's 2019 legalization of research involving human and animal embryos as the crucial factor that made this discovery possible.
Under current Japanese legislation, the research permits the development of chimeric embryos that are carried to term in surrogate animals.
He thinks Japan might have an unfair advantage and take the lead in producing superior hybrid humans worldwide.
Salomé claims that these hybrids would be naturally "better" due to their increased resilience and medical fitness.
He cautions that this scientific advance could lead to a potential moral and societal catastrophe on a worldwide scale.
The fundamental issue is an impending moral crisis—a reinterpretation of "human" when ethical boundaries are blurred by new species.
Advance hybrids raise concerns about socioeconomic disruption since they may lead to inequality and job market disruption.
Transgenic human development may exacerbate geopolitical rivalry as countries vie for control of biotechnology.
This situation might lead to a worldwide ethical discussion over who makes the decisions and regulations, like to those around AI or gene editing.
Fundamental concepts like equality, human rights, and the definition of personhood are all called into question if hybrid people become a reality.
To prevent unrestrained progress, the warning highlights the critical necessity for worldwide regulation of chimera science.
Salomé's warning highlights Japan's groundbreaking but contentious position in embryo technology.