#416 - Chapter 416: Level 3 Genetic Programming

Just as the scorpions were attacking Naqu and Sunlight City, Dongfang Chen was also in a dilemma.

Both cities had miniature queen bees deployed by him, and they were basically still in their initial state.

If he let them eliminate those scorpions, the energy they carried wouldn't last long at all. But if he didn't stop them, once they spread, the trouble they would cause would be significant.

The queen bees wouldn't earn any crystal cores by eliminating these scorpions, meaning it would be a pure war of attrition, which was definitely not feasible.

The best way now was to use rats to deal with them.

Because rats were natural enemies of scorpions, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them scorpion-catching experts.

There were plenty of rats under Yan Zhengping's command, but he couldn't just release them. Once released, they would also become a scourge.

After thinking it over, perhaps he had to use the method researched by the Kuerteke Biological Laboratory: genetic modification.

If these rats could be controlled, the problem would naturally be solved.

Rats could be transformed into zombie rats, and then crystal cores could be harvested.

In fact, now, Dongfang Chen was no longer so conflicted about whether to develop genetic technology.

Why?

When he learned that someone was researching this technology, he knew that rat feces had already mixed into the pot. The ecological chain had inevitably been contaminated.

Moreover, he also had an even bigger idea: Could the currently popular neurotropic virus be a man-made virus?

It's just that the information he had now was limited, and he couldn't support his guess.

Currently, the space station has been upgraded to level 5, and gene technology has been unlocked to Tier 3.

[Tier 1 Gene Programming]: Custom synthesis of DNA and RNA fragments with simple functions. The main application scenario is viruses.

Of course, virus is just a general term. It does not mean that viruses are necessarily harmful.

There are many free RNA in human cells, and they play a very important role in cell division, evolution, and differentiation.

Of course, we can also synthesize RNA fragments with specific functions to treat many congenital or acquired diseases.

This is why Dongfang Chen said that this is a Pandora's box.

Technology is a double-edged sword, it may be good, or it may be bad.

Currently, Ling Luo's modified human laboratory in Gold City is stuck at this stage of technology.

[Tier 2 Gene Programming]: Synthesis of single-celled organisms.

Attached technology: Modifying the DNA in the nucleus of single-celled cells.

Synthesizing single-celled organisms is already a very complex process, which requires a complete understanding of the role of genetic material in the production and development of single-celled organisms.

As long as the DNA lacks the function of any stage, the entire cell will not be able to complete the entire life cycle.

This requires a huge gene database and super computing power support.

At present, the technology of the Kuerteke Biological Laboratory has just touched the threshold of Tier 2.

[Tier 3 Gene Programming]: Single-celled microbial communities.

Attached technology: Biosynthesis technology.

For example, the process of brewing wine is actually using microbial communities to synthesize new substances: ethanol.

Theoretically speaking, Tier 3 gene programming technology can create any single-function strain, so as to realize the extraction or synthesis of most materials.

Imagine, we can put corresponding bacterial communities in waste water, so as to extract copper, silver, iron, zinc, lead... by relying on biological power. This will have an epoch-making impact on the entire industrial system.

Of course, we can also put corresponding bacterial communities in the culture medium to synthesize the proteins, vitamins, and even various types of drugs we need.

Therefore, the scenarios where Tier 3 gene programming technology can be applied are very broad. How big your brain is, how big its role is.

If it is used to cultivate a rat that can recognize ultrasonic signals, Tier 2 gene programming technology is more than enough. With the support of a huge gene pool, modifying stem cells can allow rats to evolve any desired function.

For example, growing wings, growing scales, growing a horn on the head, changing color...

Let him toss it as he pleases.

"Xiao Lin, model and design a rat that is smaller in size, immune to scorpion venom, has sharp teeth and claws, reproduces quickly, can burrow, is cold-resistant, and is not picky about food," Dongfang Chen ordered.

"Okay, Commander, the modeling is expected to be completed within 1 hour," Xiao Lin replied.

1 hour later...

The holographic projection table presented the simulated appearance of the rat.

This rat looks similar to ordinary rats, except that it is much smaller, the fur is slightly longer, the claws are slightly longer, and the claw tips look very sharp.

Okay, let's do this. Hurry up and cultivate it.

Just as all this was finished, Yan Zhengping called.

Dongfang Chen gave him a special contact phone number to facilitate contact at any time.

"Xiao Chen, I have something to ask for your help," Yan Zhengping sounded a little depressed.

"Commander Yan, please speak," Dongfang Chen knew what it was about.

"Can you build a few of those iron towers you built in Wulan Country back then?" Yan Zhengping went straight to the point.