Stelarc - genetic engineering and selective breeding

 Stelarc is an artist whose works focuses heavily on extending the capabilities of the human body. As such, most of his pieces are centred around his concept that "the human body is obsolete".

There is a clear impression that he is interested in the limitations of the human body, the ear he had implanted on his own arm could perhaps be seen as commenting on prosethic limbs and cosmetic surgery?
Hi work raises many issues and brings to light questions of an ethical nature.


Genetic engineering/selective breeding??

"Genetic engineering is the alteration of genetic code by artificial means, and is therefore different from traditional selective breeding. 
Genetic engineering examples include taking the gene that programs poison in the tail of a scorpion, and combining it with a cabbage.  These genetically modified cabbages kill caterpillers because they have learned to grow scorpion poison (insecticide) in their sap.
Genetic engineering also includes insertion of human genes into sheep so that they secrete alpha-1 antitrypsin in their milk - a useful substance in treating some cases of lung disease.
Genetic engineering has created a chicken with four legs and no wings.
Genetic engineering has created a goat with spider genes that creates "silk" in its milk. 
Genetic engineering has been said to be no different than ancient breeding methods but this is untrue.  For a start, breeding or cross-breeding, or in-breeding (for example to make pedigree dogs) all work by using the same species. In contrast genetic engineering allows us to combine fish, mouse, human and insect genesin the same person or animal.
Genetic engineering therefore has few limits - except our imagination, and our moral or ethical code."

"Genetic engineering has given us the power to alter the very basis of life on earth."

(http://www.globalchange.com/geneticengin.htm)