Nothing To Fear But...Nothing

Japanese scientists have created genetically engineered mice that aren't afraid of cats. After removing some cells from their noses, the mice would play with cats instead of run from them.

Does this work for humans?

Of course, creating genetically engineered human beings is far from legal at this point, but in the long run it seems inevitable. And if all that's involved is removing a few nasal cells that don't have any other purpose, then a fearectomy seems like it could be a popular upgrade in the future.

What could becoming fearless do for you? Here are some ideas:

• If you have to go to war, leave your fear behind so you can stay sharp.
  
  
• Never be afraid to ask for a date again.
  
  
• Change careers without worrying about whether it will all work out.
  
  
• Stop worrying about whether your kids will be OK.
  
  
• Have unlimited confidence all the time.
  
  
• Stay focused when defusing bombs.
  
  
• Win Fear Factor without even trying.
  
  
• Peform CPR flawlessly and without hesitation when needed.
  
  
• Become a lion tamer, even if you don't have a whip.
  
  
• Stop thinking about crime, disease, and global warming.
  
  
• Don't worry if you accidentally go to work naked.
  
  
• Never let them see you sweat.

There would probably be great demand for fearectomies, but keep in mind that fear is mostly useful. It's what stops you from taking stupid risks, like kissing a shark or sleeping in fire. But what if we could switch it on and off? Then it would get interesting.

Drive to your interview as your normal self, turn off your fear cells, ace your interview, and turn your fear cells back on for the ride home. For the most part, you let your fear do its job and prevent you from doing things that aren't a good idea, but you get rid of your fear when it interferes with what you're supposed to do. Think of the possibilities.

There's a problem, though—the bad guys could do it too. Doing a little better in interviews wouldn't make up for burglaries being up 1000% because crooks got so much better at pulling them off. If fear prevents you from doing things you shouldn't do, then immunity to fear would do the most for those who want to do things you shouldn't do.

Still, the idea probably has some potential. Maybe with enough research, we can develop cures for specific fears, available by prescription. Then we'd have nothing to fear except what we're supposed to fear.