Here's How Mass Effect's Biological Warfare is Scientifically Possible

Kotaku - Mass Effect’s genophage is one of the few fictions in gaming that is easiest to match to real science. We can already engineer viruses that manipulate genetics within biological systems. While such a bioweaponized feat is difficult to create within model animals (let alone sapient life) let's have some fun speculating how close theory can be to practice.

[konnerbllb]

Mordin was such a badass.

[oof46]

Would someone be so bold and cruel as to actually implement a genophage? That is scary.

[SpideySpeakz]

It's been scientifically possible since the 50s. It's quite obvious that the original HIV strain was engineered from an ancestral strain called the SIV. They CLAIM it was mutation, transmission from green monkeys to homosapiens. Haha, kids these days would believe anything the media or government tells them. What is the mutation rate of any normal free-floating viral, and how often does it cross-species? It's a interesting question scientist simply beat around the bush. The HIV/AIDS is type of genophage itself, to population control and getting rid of the 'so-called' genetically inferior (black Africans, southeast Asians, Gays..whatever).

Billions were investing in HIV/AIDS research, but how many actually had a breakthrough? ZERO. They basically sit around on their butts, prolonging or extending the research to acquirer more funding. And when the extension has subsided, they introduce a half-ass partial product that only blocks the HIV entering the cell's membrane by disabling the protein (in your own damn cells).
It was used as a population control system back in the 50s. Today, BigPharm wants to use it to cash in the $$$$.

[hellvaguy]

@Mass

Another wack job conspiracy theory with little to no evidence (im looking at you too Bigfoot believers and the group that doesn't think we landed on the moon).

Think you just may need to stop watching the sci-fi channel as your basis for information. Lol I like the catch all brainwashing term of BigPharm too. All these weirdo conspiracy theorists use that coined phrase to somehow sound smart and try to use "Bigpharm" as a good cover story for the real aliens trying to take over the human race. Omg this is entertaining, keep it coming!

[aliengmr]

Except in the 80's homosexuality was considered a lifestyle choice and not genetic. Hole #1

Evidently it wasn't successful as the Caucasian population in the US is fast becoming the minority. Hole #2

I doubt there is one single geneticist or virologist on the planet that would even consider the use of a lethal virus that doesn't discriminate as form of population control as anything more than the stupidest idea ever. Hole #3

Not going to mention that the 50's seems a bit early in the study of the human genome.

Conspiracy theories always sound convincing until you apply logic.

[medman]

I find it funny that this guy has been confused enough to somehow believe idiots who claim black africans, or any other race are "genetically inferior". Take a look at track and field, football, basketball, etc. et al and see superiority, not inferiority. On top of that, it's not blacks who have to put on ten pounds of sunscreen just to walk outside under the sun. When the universe is actively giving you cancer because you don't have enough pigment/melanin in your skin, you really need to rethink what "so called" genetically inferior means, as you put it.