Are Sevolites (or worse) inevitable if we study stem cells?
On the STIMULUS side of this issue, Dr. Miller calls for a science fiction reading list that supports scientific research through positive portrayals of its outcomes, instead of admonishing mankind for meddling with things better left alone. I was surprised and disappointed to realize that Okal Rel Universe stories, featuring our bioengineered Sevolites, might weigh in on the wrong side of the argument. How, I wondered, is that possible when I am an advocate of stem cell research? I think there are two reasons. • The first is simple. It is more fun to scare people than reassure them. Larger than life super beings sell books and make for interesting yarns. I am as guilty as anyone on that score. Sevolites are larger than life because they appealed to me that way, especially in my high school days. Who hasn’t thought: If I was Sevolite (or whatever) I could ace this exam, or knock that annoying jerk across the room. As I matured, however, I found the conflicts generated by the existence
