Genetic engineering and cryonic freezing: a modern Frankenstein? In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a new being was created artificially using parts of others. This topic therefore examines the ethics of "playing God" and, although written in 1818, is still a relevant question today. Genetic engineering and cryogenic freezing are two current technologies related to the novel's theme of science transcending the limits of what humans can and should do. Genetic engineering is widely used today. Genetically engineered bacteria are being used to produce human insulin, human growth hormone, and a hepatitis B vaccine. Two genetically engineered AIDS vaccines have begun clinical trials here in the United States ("The Genetic Revolution" 10), and genetic engineering is used to detect genetic defects in human fetuses ("The Genetic Engineering Controversy" 18). Many are now exploring using this technology to change humans, for example by developing methods that could be used to regenerate or repair defective organs. It could also be used to find a cure for diseases such as cancer, possibly (Fitzgerald), or to repair genetic defects. Parents could choose the sex and height of their children and be able to have smarter, more athletic, and more beautiful children. Furthermore, genetic engineering could also be used to clone human beings (Kevles 354), a topic of much discussion lately. Kevin T. Fitzgerald divided potential scenarios for using cloning technology into three categories: “Producing a clone to save the life of an individual in need of a transplant; make another reproductive option available to people who wish to have genetically related children, but are facing physical or sexual problems...Victor may have succeeded in his goal of creating a new being and breaking death's grip on humanity, it seems that we will be the ones to propose the final and most acceptable solution. WORKS CITED Legley, Sharon "Designer Babies, November 9, 1998: 61.2." The Genetic Engineering Controversy." Awake, December 8, 1978: 18-20. Fitzgerald, Kevin T. "Little Lamb, Who Made You?" America, March 29, 1998.. "The Genetic Revolution." Awake, July 22, 1989 : 10.Kevles, Daniel J. and Leroy Hood. “Will the Human Genome Project Lead to Abuses in Genetic Engineering?” Ed. Thomas A. Guilford, Connecticut: Dushkin Publishing Group Inc., 1995. 342-357 , Mary. "Frankenstein." Puffin Books, Penguin Group. London, England, 1994. Pages 64-65. http://alcor.org." 1998.