Species (1995)

A group of scientists working on a SETI project picks up a coded signal from an extraterrestrial intelligence. The signal is a DNA sequence. For some inexplicable reason, they decide that it would be a good idea to synthesize the sequence and insert it into human DNA, bringing the new mostly-human species into existence. It turns out not to be such a great idea. The scientists try to keep the mess more or less quiet by hunting down the escaped mostly-human thing with a small crew of poorly-trained detectives/mercenaries/monster hunters. The thing is not hard to follow, as it leaves a trail of bodies in its quest to find a human mate to reproduce.

Biology Content - 1 flask

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Transgenic humans: It is technically possible to make transgenic humans, using the same methods that have been used to make transgenic mice, rats, pigs, etc.

Scientific accuracy: It does not seem likely that little bit of DNA sequence downloaded from space would alter human biology to the extent shown in the film. The individual grows at a startling pace, and goes through puberty in a way that makes John Carpenter's The Thing seem tame.

Summary: There just isn't much science in this film. It is possible to imagine that a group of college students might find a few biology-related topics to discuss after watching this. The drive to survive and reproduce is strong, so much so that this film spawned three sequels. One flask.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) Content - 1.0 heart

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Transgenic humans: There is a consensus from the ethical debate on gene therapy in humans that while somatic gene therapy offers hope to desperately sick people, gene therapy that would allow the transmission of a altered genome to future generations is unethical. Amid the wreckage that the creature leaves in its wake is the lesson that we don't know enough to design better versions of ourselves. One heart.