by Jeff T. Minerd

About the author: Jeff T. Minerd, an award winning writer, lives near Washington, D.C. He writes about science and technology for the Futurist, of which he is also a staff editor.

Our understanding of DNA and our ability to manipulate it are increasing rapidly. Already we can screen human embryos for hereditary diseases such as sickle cell anemia, and we may soon treat other diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, with gene therapy. Corn and soybeans genetically altered to resist harmful pests are regularly planted in the United States. We have cloned mice and sheep. But we have barely scratched the surface of genetic knowledge. What follows is an assessment of the effects of this burgeoning field in the decades ahead.

Global sales of genetically modified crops grew from $75 million in...