But it is obvious. When you talk about a gene being able through some system of coordination to produce more than one kind of protein, that's paradigm-shifting right there. That idea shatters all the old simple notions of what genetics was. One need only look at Jules Verne . Words I now use in technical papers were first made up in science fiction articles 50 years ago.
Science fiction blazes the distant future and illuminates many different possible paths.
As a culture, we must choose which way to go. Technology and science are about working out the details. But the dialogue is important. We furnish ideas, and tread where scientists cannot or dare not. Our purpose here is to spark ideas, give people things to think about.