Chapter 47: Chapter 45: A Monitor Lizard (Please follow~)

Cross-species genetics, to put it simply, is a concept of splicing DNA from different species together to endow the experimental subject with the cellular abilities of other species.

In fact, by 2011, such technology was already not uncommon. It had been used in the medical field since 1982, and even as early as the 1990s, genetically modified tomatoes had appeared on the US market.

But now, what Conners wanted to research was something entirely different—he intended to transplant the excellent genes of lizards into humans.

"I believe this is feasible. At the Osborne Group, they successfully created a synthetic spider with a mix of various spider traits and tried to develop more commercial applications based on that type of spider silk.

I just need to go one step further, transferring the genes of quality gene carriers to humans."

There were a lot of reptiles in Doctor Conners’s lab, primarily lizards.

After a Qilusi Eye scan, Lille quickly found the names of these reptiles online; the vast majority were common species, with geckos being the most numerous.

"But I’ve encountered some problems... I devised a decay algorithm for DNA splicing.

We first integrate a large amount of DNA into the primary experimental target. Useless genes would undergo regular disintegration and methylation under the influence of the decay drug, eventually leaving behind stable, useful integrated genes.

This idea actually came from another old friend of mine and has been verified by the Osborne Group."

"Doctor Richard Parker?" Lille found the paper online at the same time, belonging to the parents of Spiderman.

Conners looked surprised, "Yes, but they... perished, and the Osborne Group wanted me to take over the project resources of the couple."

Lille nodded slightly, "I guess the problem is the incorrect decay rate, either incomplete degradation causes the integrated DNA to become ineffective, or the experimental subject’s genes undergo uncontrollable mutations."

"How did you know? I heard from Matt that you are an IT expert, but..."

"I crammed last night."

Lille had crammed a great deal of future technological development history.

The decay rate algorithm had likewise emerged in the world of 2077, where ethical baselines had long been broken.

As early as the mid-20th century, cross-species genetic experiments on humans had appeared, whether it was transferring animal DNA into humans or moving human DNA into animals to cultivate usable human organs, it was a highly profitable business.

If there is profit to be made, companies will do research.

Unfortunately, similar research reports were either destroyed in the great blackout caused by Bartmos or remained on primitive net.

The good news is... Biotechnology had preserved a significant amount of similar ready-to-use technologies and put them into use—the target was clear.

After his shock, Conners revisited Lille—this partner who was originally a volunteer.

Lille continued, "I suppose your original idea was to observe the DNA collapse phenomenon in my body, find a way to utilize ionizing radiation to perfect and correct this model."

"Um... yes, you have guessed it." Conners smiled bitterly, "But... before that, I’m still lacking a lot, just look around."

Conners spread his hands, showing the various reptiles all around.

Apart from that, there were numerous cutting-edge bioresearch facilities, but Lille could tell at a glance that it was not enough.

To complete this research, understanding molecular genetics alone was insufficient; new hardware facilities also needed to be developed.

Conners needed manpower, more samples, he needed... money.

"I’m out of money. The funding from the college is nowhere near enough. I can’t even make the first step.

At present, I’ve tried integrating DNA into various common reptiles, but the targets always fail to endure the integration.

I have two speculative directions for improvement: one is to upgrade DNA splicing technology to reduce redundant DNA; the second is to enhance the quality of the recipient."

"I surmise that a type of frilled lizard from the Lesser Antilles likely has a great potential to survive as a gene integrator, but I can’t get the data.

You think too highly of me; this project is still in its early stages."

After saying this, Doctor Conners glanced at his desk, and Lille followed his gaze to a document.

The sign read "Osborne Group."

"The Osborne Group has invited me to take over the Parkers’ research and promised me the best resources, and I will even get to see their achievements.

This will greatly accelerate the progress, but..."

Conner looked towards Lille, "In doing so, I won’t have the right to decide the direction of the technology—you know, there are rumors that Norman Osborn is closely collaborating with the military and may even join a copycat version of the Super Soldier program.

I want to use this technology to save lives, not to fool a bunch of young men into pillaging on foreign lands.

This... is something I have done before."

Lille looked into Dr. Conner’s eyes, snapped his fingers, and confidently said, "This is a simple problem, Doctor, we can partner up."

"Lille... I want to, but..."

"Don’t be in a hurry to refuse, Professor." Lille raised a finger, "Yes, compared to the Osborne Group, I am dirt poor.

But we have a common goal, and I can assure you that the technology will not be used for aggressive wars, and you will have the right to decide the direction of its use.

Secondly... I can prove it—give me a few days, and I can get you the DNA data of the anoles from the Lesser Antilles. We can start with data simulation."

"You?" Professor Conner looked surprised, "How can you get that?"

Of course, Lille couldn’t say that he already had one—the lizard smuggled by Jack was exactly what Conner needed.

Since they needed to lie low, the smuggled goods were still in hand, undistributed.

Transmitting a whole lizard was troublesome, but just the data would be no issue at all.

"I’m serious, Professor.

Besides, I will provide you with more technical support, and... not a whole lot of funds."

As he spoke, Lille shrugged, "But I believe in such a clean and transparent group like ours, it will surely be enough."

The blond Professor Conner did not appear as handsome and dashing as one might expect, but rather somewhat balding.

To tell the truth, the first impression of the professor was one of weariness and exhaustion.

Trapped by dreams, one step away from having nothing in his mind but "get the money first."

But Conner’s trouble was that of a regrowing arm, whereas Lille’s trouble was the relentless chase of the Grim Reaper—

This young man was much calmer than he was.

Conner gazed at Lille, then smiled wryly and shook his head:

"It seems I’m really going backwards with age, so then, congratulations, you’ve upgraded from a volunteer to a partner."

Perhaps with a sudden shift in mindset, Conner even started joking around.

Lille shrugged, "I must also congratulate you; in the future, when you look back, you’ll be glad you chose me."

As soon as Lille finished this sentence, a system prompt sounded in his head.

[Cross-plane contact has exceeded one hour]

[Technology Points -20]

[Current Technology Points: 320]

Lille’s expression stiffened.

Damn rounding-up mechanism.