Splicing

Splicing is a modern application of genetic engineering.



In Starborn splicing is the act of editing, grafting, combining, or cutting genomes in such ways as to arrive at results differing from the basic structure of the compound. This zipping and unzipping of the genome has become common-place in everything from cosmetics, food, and industry to elective gene therapies, and entire geneborn race creation.

An Applied Art

For many the work of genetic splicing is an act of pure passion, a practice that gives them a greater form of expression with a canvas that is as broad as life itself. When even the materials that make up most other forms of art are amorphous slates for your efforts, a sense of power is not far off.

Many "designers" are known for their works or styles of genetic splicing procedures favored. As such an entire subculture has grown around the art. Many splices offer up no practical use beyond the aesthetic nature of the end result when applied on a scale larger than a single gene. With the costs of genetic work greatly reduced over what was the norm in ages past, modern splicers are free to experiment on a wide basis.

An Ethical Question

Some pause after the efforts of splicers, primarily those who work to morph living creatures. The question raised is one of ethics of moral and legal obligation to do what is right for any living creature, be it human or otherwise.

No consensus has been reached on this matter. However, the Neo-Geneva Conventions touch as close as most collective bodies have on the matter. With the exception of Savin the Binut homeworld, no group has seen fit to go outside of the treaties' stance on the issues. For Savin, where a large and powerful body of splicers reside, the issue is clear - there is none. There the lines of ethical boundaries are far-easier to move.