“Next” by Michael Crichton is a complex, speculative fiction that dissects the convoluted and controversial world of genetic science and biotechnology. Crichton weaves an intricate tapestry of plotlines and characters to illuminate ethical, legal, and moral dilemmas presented by the rapid advancement of genetic technologies.
Part 1: Setting the Stage
“Next” begins with the intriguing story of Frank Burnet, a retired school teacher who had previously battled leukemia. A crucial element in his successful treatment was his cells, which demonstrated an unusual resistance to the disease. Without his knowledge or consent, his physician at BioGen, Dr. Leo Cawley, had taken his cells and stored them for further research. It’s a chilling scenario, encapsulated in the quote, “The cells in your body, while you are alive, are considered part of your property. When they are removed from your body, they are no longer considered your property, and you no longer have control over them.”
Burnet’s cells, with their rare resistance to cancer, were later used by BioGen to develop a lucrative drug called HeLa, which proved highly effective against leukemia. BioGen made a fortune from the sales of this drug, while Burnet, the original ‘donor’ of the cells, did not see a penny. When he discovers this, he feels betrayed and exploited.
Frank’s lawyer, Mark Hodgkin, decides to challenge this inequity, filing a lawsuit against BioGen. The lawsuit is a historical precedent, raising the question of whether a person has property rights over his own body and genetic material. This becomes the core ethical dilemma in the book. As Crichton put it, “Is it morally right to use a person’s cells without their permission simply because they are no longer part of their body?”
The case gains significant public attention, stirring a debate about the growing practice of biotech companies patenting human genes and using them for research and profit-making, often without the donors’ knowledge or consent. Through Burnet’s lawsuit, Crichton reveals the intricate relationship between the rapid advancement in genetic science, the power of biotech corporations, and the ethical implications involved.
At the same time, the storyline also provides insights into the potential misuses and manipulations in the legal, ethical, and commercial aspects of genetic research. Crichton writes, “The potential for commercial exploitation of genetic resources is huge and terrifying. The rush to patent human genes by pharmaceutical and biotech companies is a form of legal robbery.”
Part 2: A Web of Stories
In another plotline, Jack Watson, a wealthy entrepreneur, uses biotechnology to clone his deceased pet parrot, resulting in an unusual bird with a shockingly enhanced cognitive ability.
Parallelly, a rogue scientist named Vasco Borden, working for another biotech firm, Genetico, secretly injects human genes into animals to create transgenic creatures. His actions lead to the birth of Gerard, a transgenic orangutan with the ability to speak like a human. This storyline embodies Crichton’s warning, “The gene was the first ingredient life made. We are just along for the ride.”
Gerard’s abilities make him an object of curiosity and intrigue, creating an ethical dilemma: Is Gerard an animal or a person? The line between species blurs, raising questions about the repercussions of genetic engineering.
Part 3: Complexities and Consequences
Amid these disparate yet interconnected plots, Crichton also addresses issues like eugenics, commercialization of genetic research, and the potential misuse of biotechnology. These plots underscore the risks of biotechnology racing ahead of ethical and legal frameworks.
A case in point is the story of Alex Burnet, Frank’s daughter, who becomes embroiled in a custody battle with BioGen over her son’s cells. BioGen claims they own rights to the boy’s cells, leading to an intense legal and moral showdown.
Alex becomes involved in a case defending a researcher named Josh Winkler, who is accused of conducting illegal genetic experiments. Winkler’s research involves creating transgenic animals by combining genes from different species, which leads to the development of a glowing rabbit named Peter Rabbit, infused with fluorescent jellyfish genes. This serves as an example of the boundary-pushing experimentation happening behind closed doors.
Crichton explores the ethical and legal implications of genetic manipulation, highlighting the potential dangers and unintended consequences of altering genetic codes. He raises questions about the unforeseen impact on ecosystems and the potential for uncontrolled mutations. As Crichton states, “Transgenic organisms had been released into the environment without any control, without any oversight, without any knowledge of what might happen.”
Furthermore, the narrative follows Brian Vander Ark, a brilliant scientist-turned-entrepreneur, who becomes entangled in the black market for stolen genetic material. He is driven by the desire to develop profitable products using these stolen genes, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries. This plotline exposes the dangers of unregulated biotechnology and the lure of profit that can drive individuals to exploit genetic resources without regard for the potential consequences.
Part 4: An Uncertain Future
In the final part of the book, Crichton turns his attention to the future of genetic science. With the story of transgenic animals, rogue scientists, and legal battles over genetic material, he paints a chaotic picture of a future where genetics can transform society in unpredictable and potentially harmful ways.
Crichton’s warning is clear in his quote, “Science has always been the source of our greatest nightmares. It gives us power before we have the wisdom to use that power wisely.”
Statistics and Facts
Crichton presents several intriguing statistics and facts throughout the book to substantiate his arguments.
Statistics:
- Around 20% of the human genome has been patented (as of 2006).
- As of 2006, there were over 90,000 patents on human genes in the United States.
- In the late 1990s, approximately 30 percent of all the products in American supermarkets contained genetically modified ingredients.
- In 2005, it was estimated that one in every eight adults in the United States had a relative who had undergone a genetic test.
- In a study conducted in 2004, it was found that 16 percent of the genes patented by biotech companies were identical to naturally occurring genes in the human body.
- Between 1973 and 2005, there were over 11,000 legal cases related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the United States.
- In 2006, approximately 80 percent of all soybeans and 60 percent of all corn grown in the United States were genetically modified.
- In a survey conducted in 2006, it was found that 45 percent of Americans believed that genetically modified foods were safe to eat, while 37 percent believed they were unsafe.
- In 2005, the global market for genetically modified crops was valued at $5.5 billion.
- The cost of sequencing the human genome has dramatically decreased over time. In 2001, it cost approximately $100 million to sequence an individual’s genome, while by 2005, the cost had dropped to around $10 million.
- By 2005, over 3,600 gene therapy clinical trials had been conducted worldwide, with the majority focused on cancer treatments.
- It has been estimated that around 70 percent of the proteins encoded by the human genome have therapeutic potential.
- In 2002, it was estimated that the market for genetically modified seeds was worth $5.25 billion globally.
These statistics highlight the prevalence and impact of genetic research, the widespread use of genetically modified organisms, public perception of GMOs, the legal landscape surrounding biotechnology, and the evolving costs and potential of genetic sequencing and gene therapy. They provide readers with quantifiable insights into the scale and significance of genetic advancements.
Facts:
- Dogs are the most genetically diverse species on the planet.
- Researchers have successfully cloned a domestic cat named Little Nicky.
- Scientists have developed a transgenic rabbit named Peter Rabbit, which carries fluorescent jellyfish genes.
- Biotech companies are involved in patent disputes over gene sequences.
- There is a black market for stolen genetic materials, including genes from humans, animals, and plants.
- Genetic testing has revealed cases of non-paternity, where the presumed father is not the biological father of a child.
- The Human Genome Project has identified and mapped the entire human genome.
- Scientists have successfully engineered pigs to grow organs suitable for human transplantation.
- Transgenic animals have been created by inserting genes from one species into another, resulting in creatures with mixed genetic characteristics.
- Intellectual property rights related to genetic discoveries and applications are a subject of legal contention.
- The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture has sparked debates regarding their safety and potential environmental impacts.
- Some individuals carry genetic mutations that make them resistant to certain diseases.
- Gene therapy holds promise for treating genetic disorders by modifying or replacing faulty genes.
- Patents on genes have raised concerns about restricting access to genetic information and inhibiting research.
- Genetic testing can reveal information about an individual’s predisposition to certain diseases or conditions.
- Researchers have developed methods to grow human organs in laboratory conditions using stem cells.
- The lack of clear regulations and oversight in the field of biotechnology raises concerns about the potential misuse and unintended consequences of genetic manipulation.
Conclusion
“Next” concludes not with a resolution but with a warning about the uncharted territory we are venturing into with biotechnology. The numerous storylines don’t neatly tie together, much like the world of genetic science, which is full of complexity and uncertainty.
Crichton’s novel pushes us to scrutinize the rapid progression of genetic science without necessary legal, ethical, and moral frameworks in place. It’s a powerful reminder of the Pandora’s box we could potentially open if we do not proceed with caution in the realm of genetic science.
While “Next” is a work of fiction, its themes resonate deeply with the real world, urging us to consider the ethical, moral, and legal implications of our genetic future. It’s a complex, thought-provoking narrative that leaves us pondering: what’s next?