Chương 45: Lesser Antilles Lizard
Cross-Species Genetics, simply put, is a concept that involves splicing DNA from different species together, enabling the experimental subject to gain cellular abilities from other species.
In reality, such techniques were already not uncommon by 2011. As early as 1982, these methods were used in the pharmaceutical field, and even in the 1990s, genetically modified tomatoes had already appeared on the U.S. market.
But now, what Professor Connors Scott was researching was entirely different—he aimed to transplant the superior genes of lizards into humans.
"I believe it's feasible. At Oscorp, they successfully created a synthetic gene spider that combined traits from various spider species and attempted to develop more commercial applications based on that spider silk. I just need to take it further, transferring the superior gene vectors into humans."
Professor Connors' lab was filled with various reptiles, primarily lizards.
With a scan from his Kiroshi optical implant, Leo quickly found the names of these reptiles online; most were common species, with geckos being the most abundant.
"But I've run into some trouble... I designed a decay algorithm to trim DNA. We first integrate a large amount of DNA into the primary experimental target, and under the effect of the decay drug, the useless genes undergo systematic disintegration and methylation, ultimately leaving behind stable, usable integrated genes. This concept actually came from an old friend of mine, and it's been validated at Oscorp."
"Dr. Richard Parker?" Leo had already found the paper online, authored by Spider-Man's parent.
Connors looked surprised, "Yes, but they passed away. Oscorp wanted me to take over their project resources."
Leo nodded slightly, "I guess the issue lies with the decay rate being incorrect—either it doesn't decay completely, leading to failed DNA integration, or the experimental subject's genes mutate uncontrollably."
"How did you know? I heard from Matt that you're an information technology expert, but..."
"I crammed last night."
Leo had crammed a lot of technological history from the future.
Decay rate algorithms had also appeared in the world of 2077, where ethical boundaries had long been shattered. As early as the mid-20th century, cross-species genetic experiments on humans had emerged, whether it was transferring animal DNA into humans or human DNA into animals to cultivate usable human organs—it was a highly profitable business.
Where there's money to be made, companies will research it.
Unfortunately, similar research reports either vanished during the Bartmoss Blackout Incident or remained in the Old Net.
The good news was that Biotechnica preserved a large number of similar finished technologies and put them to use—this was now Leo's target.
After recovering from his shock, Professor Connors Scott began to re-evaluate Leo—this partner who was initially just a volunteer.
Leo continued, "I guess your original idea was to observe the DNA breakdown phenomenon happening in my body and then use ionizing radiation to refine and correct this model."
"Yes, that's exactly what I was planning." Connors smiled wryly, "But before that, I'm missing a lot of things. Look around."
Connors spread his hands, surrounded by various reptiles and advanced biological research facilities. But Leo quickly noticed that this wasn't enough.
To complete this research, expertise in molecular genetics alone wouldn't suffice—new hardware facilities would need to be developed.
Connors needed manpower, more samples, and... money.
"I'm out of funds. The budget provided by the university isn't nearly enough. I can't even take the first step. Right now, I've tried integrating DNA into several common reptiles, but the subjects can't withstand the integration."
"I have two hypotheses for improvement: one is to upgrade the DNA trimming technology to reduce redundant DNA; the second is to enhance the quality of the host. I suspect that a lizard from the Lesser Antilles might have a high chance of surviving as a genetic integration host, but I can't get the data. You overestimate me; this project is still in its early stages."
After speaking, Connors glanced at his desk, and Leo followed his gaze to see a document labeled "Oscorp."
"Oscorp invited me to take over the Parker couple's research, promising the best resources, and I'd get to see their results. This would significantly accelerate progress, but..."
Connors looked at Leo, "If I do that, I lose the right to decide how the technology is used—you know, there are rumors that Norman Osborn is closely collaborating with the military and might even be involved in a revived Super Soldier program. I want to use this technology to save people, not to have politicians deceive a bunch of young men into burning, looting, and killing in foreign lands. That... is something I've done before."
Leo looked into Professor Connors Scott's eyes and snapped his fingers confidently, "This problem is simple, Professor. We can partner up."
"Leo... I want that too, but..."
"Don't be in such a rush to refuse, Professor." Leo raised a finger, "Yes, compared to Oscorp, I'm just a broke nobody. But we have a common goal. I can guarantee that this technology won't be used for aggressive warfare, and you'll retain the right to decide how it's used. Also, I can prove it—give me a few days, and I can get you the DNA data of the Lesser Antilles lizard. We can start with data simulation."
"You?" Professor Connors was surprised. "How would you get it?"
Leo certainly couldn't tell him he already had one—Jackie had smuggled in a lizard that happened to be exactly what Connors needed. To lay low, the smuggled goods were still in his possession, not yet dealt with.
Transporting a whole lizard would be troublesome, but just the data posed no issues.
"I'm serious, Professor. Besides, I'll provide you with more technical support and... a modest amount of funding."
As he spoke, Leo shrugged, "But I believe in our honest and transparent little group, that should be enough."
The blond Professor Connors Scott didn't look particularly dashing, in fact, he seemed rather balding. Honestly, the first impression of this professor was one of fatigue and exhaustion.
Trapped by dreams, just one step away, his mind only focused on "getting the money first."
But while Connors was troubled by an arm that wouldn't grow back, Leo was pursued by a relentless grim reaper—this young man was far more composed.
Connors stared at Leo, then smiled bitterly and shook his head:
"I'm really getting old. Well then, congratulations—you've been promoted from volunteer to partner."
Maybe due to a sudden change in mindset, Connors even cracked a joke.
Leo shrugged, "I should be congratulating you too. In the future, you'll look back and be glad you chose me."
As soon as Leo finished speaking, a system notification rang in his head.
[Cross-dimensional connection has exceeded one hour]
[Technology Points -20]
[Current Technology Points: 320]
Leo's expression froze.
Damn that rounding-up mechanism.
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