Illustration by Epic Made
From Homo transformans: The Origin and Nature of the Species
Introduction
In writing the novel H. transformans: The Origin and Nature of the Species, I stumbled into a literary debate regarding whether or not science fantasy is a genre of its own. The distinction between science fiction and fantasy is clearly defined. Works of science fiction – especially, hard science fiction – are expected to incorporate known science or science that is conceivable, if farfetched, in the future (Goldschlager & Eos, 1997; Malmgren, 1988). In contrast, works of fantasy have no such constraints and need have no basis in reality. Science is not required. Imagination and magic will do nicely. Hence, science fiction and fantasy are recognized as separate genres under the fiction category in the Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) (https://bisg.org/page/Fiction).
Historical Perspective
The notion of science fantasy as separate from science fiction is not new. It was a theme as early as the 1930s. According to the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, it became a common theme in the 1950s and 1960s (http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/science_fantasy). The lack of a clear definition of science fantasy led to such stories being subsumed either under science fiction or under fantasy, depending upon one’s point of view. Science fantasy is also described as a hybrid of science fiction and fantasy wherein the former is mixed with magic or other imaginary features (Goldschlager & Eos, 1997).
I prefer to think of science fantasy as a blend of science and fantasy. Since my background is the science of human physiology and pathophysiology, I may not be qualified to debate the issue from a literary perspective. Nevertheless, I may engage in the debate from a science perspective.
Incorporating Science into Fantasy
Similar to science fiction, science underpins science fantasy. The story may use current scientific knowledge or possible future scientific capabilities while incorporating unreal entities and events that cannot possibly happen without the aid of the imagination.
In the novel Homo transformans: The Origin and Nature of the Species, a malevolent organization, the Cassius Foundation, uses genetic engineering in an attempt to enhance human capabilities. Cassius geneticists insert into humans the genes of an apex predator that codes for latter’s power and weaponry. The intended result is an augmented human with the capability of the predator ‒ heightened senses, greater strength and endurance, and additional features (e.g., claws, fangs, horns, etc.).
The basis for modifying the human genome is predicated on current genetic engineering procedures. Humans can use genetic engineering techniques to alter a cell’s genetic code thereby altering its function. At present, the conditions under which we may do so are limited. We can change one gene at a time if we know which gene is malfunctioning, where it is located, and have the means to deliver a functional gene with fidelity.
In Homo transformans: The Origin and Nature of the Species, it is common for an H. transformans to transform into another species of animal, provided they have the genes to do so. The basis for imaginary metamorphosis in humans is predicated on the ability of other species of animals – insects and amphibians – to undergo metamorphosis. It also relies on the degree of genetic homology (shared genes) between humans and other species, especially mammals. Evolutionary science has revealed that humans and canines (e.g., wolves, dogs) share about 84% of their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Thus, science underpins the notion of metamorphosis in humans. The supposition that it actually occurs in humans is pure fantasy.
Fantasy determines that all a human needs to transform into a wolf is the missing 16% of the wolf’s genome and the ability to undergo metamorphosis. In theory, the former could be accomplished using a viral vector and CRISPR/Cas9 to deliver the genes ‒ barring a few minor details. The latter, however, does not exist in humans. Hence, the author had to invent an imaginary transforming X chromosome (otherwise known as a magic wand) to give humans the ability to transform.
Minor Details
There is a caveat to the notion of simply adding the genes of one species (e.g., a wolf) to the genome of another species (e.g., a human). The sheer number of genes involved would be prohibitive. If my arithmetic is correct, 16% of 2.8 billion genes – the number of genes in a boxer dog (another canine) – equals 448 million genes. Researchers are ecstatic to transfer one gene successfully.
Inserting genes without a map would wreak havoc. Some genes are used in multiple locations within the genome. In each one of those places, it could exert a very different effect (pleiotropy) resulting in different outcomes (Paaby & Rockman, 2013; Solovieff, et al., 2013). This characteristic confounds the ability to predict how a gene will actually function and what downstream effects it would have when the gene is put someplace new.
Lastly, do not underestimate the power of a single gene to alter physiology. A change in even a single component of a gene (a nucleotide) can change a lifeform. This is clearly demonstrated in sickle cell disease in which a point mutation of one component (A-T) of a beta hemoglobin gene is reversed (T-A) leading to a debilitating disease. Fortunately, gene therapies for sickle cell disease are available (Sii-Felice, et al., 2018) and are advancing (Demirci, et al., 2019).
Recommendation
Science fantasy should be designated as a separate genre under fiction with the understanding that it is underpinned by science applied to fantasy to provide a sense of realism. Fantasy should remain its own category in which imagination and magic alone are sufficient to carry the story.
I recommend that science fantasy be recognized given a BISAC code. In pursuit thereof, I propose the following definition of science fantasy: fiction predicated on known or hypothesized science while still dependent upon elements of fantasy to bring the story to fruition.
References
Brown, D. D., and Cai, L. (2007.) Amphibian metamorphosis. Dev Biol, 306(1), 20–33. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.03.021.
Buchholz, D. R. (2015.) More similar than you think: Frog metamorphosis as a model of human perinatal endocrinology. Dev Biol, 408(2), 188-95. doi: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.02.018.
Buszczak. M., and Segraves, W. A. (2000.) Insect metamorphosis: Out with the old, in with the new. Current Biology, 10:R830–R833.
Demirci. S., Leonard, A., Haro-Mora, J. J., et al. (2019.) CRISPR/Cas9 for Sickle Cell Disease: Applications, Future Possibilities, and Challenges. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1144:37-52. doi: 10.1007/5584_2018_331.
Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. (http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/science_fantasy).
Goldschlager, A. and Eos, A. (1997.) Science fiction & fantasy: A genre with many faces. SF Site. https://www.sfsite.com/columns/amy26.htm
Malmgren, Carl D. (1988.) “Towards a Definition of Science Fantasy.” Science Fiction Studies, 15.3 (1988): 259-281.
Paaby, A. B., and Rockman, M. V. (2013.) The many faces of pleiotropy. Trends Genet, 29(2), 66–73. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2012.10.010
Sii-Felice, K., Giorgi, M., Leboulch, P., Payen, E. (2018.) Hemoglobin disorders: Lentiviral gene therapy in the starting blocks to enter clinical practice. Exp Hematol, 64:12-32.
Solovieff, N., Cotsapas, C., Lee, P. H., et al. (2013.) Pleiotropy in complex traits: challenges and strategies. Nat Rev Genet, 14(7), 483-95. doi: 10.1038/nrg3461.
Orig. 9 August 2019
Rev. 25 September 2019
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