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Archaeology magazine asks whether we should clone Neanderthals and argues that such cloning is inevitable. Still, there are ethical questions (you think?) involving whether such clones would have legal rights, and (of course) whether a corporation can patent Neanderthals and make money off of them. "Studying those Neanderthals, with their consent, would have the potential to cure diseases and save lives." It will probably take some doing to figure out how a Neanderthal, or even a proposed "colony" of a few dozen can "consent" to research in the face of 6 billion humans with guns. Is that really a choice?
Though Archaeology paints this is a mostly rosy scenario of learning from our "common but separate humanity," this strikes me as one step closer to the future H.G. Wells envisioned in the Time Machine, with ethereal humans living beautiful surface lives while rougher, hairier versions toiled in the bowels of the earth. Of course, those creatures ate the pretty little ones. The Italian government is considering whether to warn audiences about the 2009 film Paranormal Activity being too scary. The horror movie, which presents documentary-style footage of a young couple battling an invisible demon that invades their bedroom, apparently has caused distress among some Italians from its television trailer alone. The daughter of Benito Mussolini is leading the charge agains the movie, according to the BBC.
Aside from the free publicity, I can't imagine what good will come of this. Unlike most viewers, I found Paranormal Activity to be slow, boring, and derivative. The only result I foresee is more Italians spending hard earned euros on a movie that doesn't really deserve it. I've just launched my new author site, and things will be coming on line little by little as I get the site up and running. My blog will keep you up to date on what I'm doing and also provide links and commentary about archaeology, science, horror fiction, and my other interests.
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AuthorI am an author and researcher focusing on pop culture, science, and history. Bylines: New Republic, Esquire, Slate, etc. There's more about me in the About Jason tab. Newsletters
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