Oddbean

Alien-human hybridization programs for the purpose of colonizing and/or (if they’re coming from the future) directing us to their biological state makes some sense to me. It would explain why they might kidnap people and gestate hybrids for some time in the woman before taking the embryo back and into some other incubator (or leaving it if it’s viable to term). What I find harder to believe is the claim that aliens are “only” taking DNA samples to help diversify their own population because they’re dying out and want to become more fertile. We have 1,000s of people’s genomes sequenced already, can’t they just take the info and synthesize the DNA chemically? We can already make synthetic cells and program simple genetic circuits*— how can engineering themselves to be more fertile be beyond their technology (even without human DNA input) if they are millions of years ahead of us? Is it possible they’re actually quite dumb and just inherited fast spaceships? Did they live through an era of Idiocracy? Should we be even more concerned about interacting with these folks than we are right now??? * (It is possible there is more to DNA samples than just sequence, eg epigenetic markers, bound protein factors, or other things not known to us, or the claim of “taking DNA samples” is a hyper simplistic term lost in translation that stands for some other process, or hybridization biology between two perhaps entirely unrelated species is much harder than I’d expect.) #NHI #UAP

This is what ChatGPT thinks some possible reasons are: Genetic Research: Aliens might seek to understand human biology or enhance their own genetic traits by integrating human DNA. Survival of the Species: If the aliens face extinction or a dwindling population, hybridization could be a way to ensure their genetic legacy continues. Cultural Exchange: Hybridization could serve as a means to foster better interspecies understanding and cooperation, blending cultures and perspectives. Adapting to Earth: Aliens may need to adapt to Earth's environment and human physiology could offer advantages in survival and integration. Technological Advancement: By combining human ingenuity with alien technology, both species could achieve advancements that neither could attain alone. Exploration of Consciousness: Hybridization might be pursued to explore the nature of consciousness and intelligence, creating beings with enhanced cognitive abilities. Social Experimentation: Aliens could be conducting a long-term experiment to study the social dynamics of a hybrid society and the implications of interspecies relationships. Ethical and Moral Inquiry: The program could serve as a way to explore ethical questions around identity, rights, and the definition of being. Medical Benefits: Combining alien technology with human biology could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, potentially curing diseases or enhancing physical abilities. Preparation for Future Threats: If there are cosmic threats (like asteroids or hostile species), hybrids might be better suited to face those challenges.