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Re: Diane's email: "can" vs. "must"
Posted By: Diane, on host 38.26.63.245
Date: Monday, October 5, 1998, at 20:58:52
In Reply To: Re: Diane's email: "can" vs. "must" posted by Dave on Monday, October 5, 1998, at 16:27:23:

First of all, this thread is very flattering. Thanks guys. :)


> These are two very separate questions. The answer to the first is, in my mind, almost always yes. Should we research human cloning? Yes--it may lead to the ability to grow transplant suitable organs in a vat. Should we do research into biological pathogens that could wipe out the human race? Sure--with care, such research could lead to a better understanding of diseases and human physiology and immunology. Should we researh ways to create higher-yield hydrogen bombs? Yes. In fact, were it not for the fact that it is against international law (and not to mention the backlash you'd get from crazed eco-warriors) to detonate nuclear weapons in space we might already have built and flown inter-stellar space probes powered by nuclear explosions.


Interesting factoid.

If we could use nuclear engines, we'd have something far better than any other propulsion system. Watching TLC, they said nuke engines could achieve speeds of 0.1C. That's 10% of the speed of light. I sat down and figured something out. With that tech, we could make weekly round trips to Mars (the Earth is never more than 5 light-hours away from Mars). Or routine trips to the outer planets. Or, with the proper orientation for a number of families (for the return trip), an 80-year round trip to Alpha Centauri.

Scary, no?

Diane

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