Evolving OurselvesRecommendations

Based on the ubiquitous TED Talk series "Will Our Children Be a Different Species?," this film is an eye-opening, mind-bending investigation of how humanity is transforming its genetic future. " and "The Next Human Species."

Are you prepared to modify the DNA of your unborn children and grandchildren in order to make them healthier? More appealing? Intelligenter? Why are autism, asthma, and allergy rates skyrocketing at an unprecedented rate? Why are humans living longer lives and having fewer children?

Futurist Juan Enriquez and scientist Steve Gullans take a broad look at how humans are altering the trajectory of evolution for all animals, sometimes purposefully, sometimes unintentionally. For example:

• What if life forms are only restricted by our imagination? Are designer babies and pets, extinction, and even the creation of totally new species all fair game?

• What will be the primary causes of mortality as people, animals, and plants become more resistant to disease and ageing?

• Humans may be able to live significantly longer lives thanks to man-machine interactions. What happens when we transplant pieces of our "selves" into clones, stored cells, and machines?

Though these signs of change are disturbing, the authors contend that we are also living in an era of immense possibility. Future humans, maybe a more diversified, resilient, compassionate, and smarter race, may become better planet stewards—but only if we make the right decisions today. Evolving Ourselves is the definitive guide to the next phase of life on Earth. It is intelligent, controversial, and optimistic.