[budd3]

since it is possible to make clones can we alter the DNA by extracting the DNA and putting in new DNA that will make a super human?

[Chemistry4me]

Too many things can go wrong. I don't think you can just chop and change DNA like that.

[Chemistry4me]

Plus I don't think anyone has actually been cloned, well, not that I know of anyway...

[imatfaal]

The ethical barriers to cloning a human are almost unfathomable and insurmountable.   

Even inserting a strand of DNA into a functioning genome in some way (via egg/sperm, at fertilization etc) is very hazardous - at what point do you decide to experiment?  and you have to bring a child to term to really understand if you have been successful.    we cannot as right-thinking people and scientists condone any line of experiments that require the carrying, birth, and infancy of other human beings as test subjects - yet this would be the only way that cloning as a technique could be improved; this, imho, is an absolute block to human cloning and complete genetic manipulation.  at present [url+http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_therapy]gene therapy[/url] as practised / as envisaged is much more viable and has fewer ethical and moral hurdles.

[Don_1]

Plus I don't think anyone has actually been cloned, well, not that I know of anyway...

Ah! Doctor Frankenstein, do come in and sit down. I see you have brought your twin brother with you. Would he care for a mug of WD40?

[CZARCAR]

manipulate the genes & geneswitches so 2 replace 4 limbs with 4 wings?

[Donnah]

I read recently that cooking food in the microwave can genetically alter it.  Then there's the proliferation of GM foods and seeds.  Does genetically modifying our food result in second degree genetic modification of us or our offspring?  So, ethical or not, aren't we already subject to DNA changes?

[CliffordK]

Does genetically modifying our food result in genetically modifying us or our offspring?

NO

Different nutrient availability regardless of the source may change a person's growth.  But, the genes as represented by the human DNA is unaffected by the genetically modified foods.

[Nizzle]

since it is possible to make clones can we alter the DNA by extracting the DNA and putting in new DNA that will make a super human?

In theory: yes, most definitely.
In practice: A lot of work needs to be done. So much even that we will not see genetically enhanced humans in our lifetime.

[Donnah]

Does genetically modifying our food result in genetically modifying us or our offspring?

NO

Different nutrient availability regardless of the source may change a person's growth.  But, the genes as represented by the human DNA is unaffected by the genetically modified foods.

Has this been researched into the second and third generations yet?  And who would be left on Earth to use as a control group?

[Nizzle]

Has this been researched into the second and third generations yet?  And who would be left on Earth to use as a control group?

The DNA in our food does not survive our intestinal tract. The DNA of our food is completely broken down, and then the basic blocks are used by our cells to create our own DNA. The little amount of food DNA that does survive the trip through our guts will end up in our toilet and will not be viable in the sewers. No need for a 2nd or 3rd generation study.