The use of genetic technology to enhance human perception is a cutting-edge and complex scientific field, involving the intersection of gene editing, neuroscience and ethics. The following is an overview of current research and potential technology paths, as well as related ethical considerations： --- ### **1. Gene editing technology enhances perception** ####**Hearing enhancement** -**Target gene**： -*TMC1* or *TMC2* (key genes for auditory conduction of hair cells): Repairing or enhancing the expression of these genes through tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 may improve the sensitivity to specific frequencies of sound. - *OTOF* (otonoprotein gene): Improves the synaptic transmission efficiency of hair cells in the cochlea, which may enhance the ability to distinguish sounds. -**Animal model**： There have been studies to restore congenital deafness through gene therapy in mice. In the future, genes may be further adjusted to “abnormally” enhance the hearing range (such as perceiving ultrasound). ####**Enhanced sense of smell** -**Olfactory receptor gene**： Humans have about 400 functional olfactory receptor genes (far fewer than about 800 in dogs). By introducing or activating more receptor genes (such as through adenovirus vectors), it is possible to expand the range of detectable odor molecules. -**Experimental progress**： In 2017, "Science" studied the use of genetic modification to make mice perceive odors that were originally unrecognized. Similar techniques may be applied to humans. --- ### **2. Biological enhancement of non-gene editing** -**Artificial receptor and neural interface**： Combine genetically modified cells (such as retinal cells that express photosensitive proteins) with neural interfaces, or implant receptors designed by synthetic biology into the skin or mucous membranes to directly transmit environmental signals (such as electromagnetic waves and chemicals) to the brain. -**Case**： Experiments have used electrode arrays to allow blind people to “see” the pattern of light spots, and in the future, genetic modification may be combined to improve the resolution. --- ### **3. Ethics and Safety challenges** -**Off-target effect**： Gene editing may accidentally change other physiological functions (for example, enhancing the sense of smell may affect mood, because the sense of smell is closely related to the limbic system). -**Social equity**： Technology may be used by only a few people, exacerbating inequality. -**Identity**： Abnormal perception may change the way humans perceive reality, and the psychological impact needs to be carefully evaluated. -**Regulatory framework**： At present, the international consensus prohibits germ cell editing (such as CRISPR babies), and somatic cell editing requires rigorous clinical trials. --- ### **4. Future direction** -**Controllable expression system**： The activity of genes is enhanced by drug induction or light-controlled switch regulation to achieve on-demand activation. -**Interdisciplinary cooperation**： Combine neural engineering (such as brain-computer interfaces) with gene therapy to develop a hybrid enhancement system. --- ###**Summary** Although the technological potential is huge, it still takes decades of research to enhance human perception, and it is necessary to balance scientific innovation with ethical risks. A more realistic path at this stage may be the combination of assistive devices (such as electronic noses and hearing aids) and limited biological enhancement. Public discussion and the improvement of global regulation will be key prerequisites.