Myostatin an PCS

[Astromancer]

I've run across a disease with no known downsides, Myostatin Related Muscle Hypertrophy. It's main effects seem to be reduced body fat and increased muscle mass. According to other sources small children with this trait can perform gymnastic maneuvers with little training, so heightened Dexterity seems a likely side effect as well. Or maybe just a better chance to use what dexterity the child has.

The genes controlling this trait are known. So it ought to be easy in THS to induce this trait with little or no problems. ST14 would therefore be a common trait of any enhanced genotype since the health/longevity benefits of low body fat and muscularity are well known and desirable.

Reactions?

[Anthony]

It almost certainly does have detrimental effects -- rare mutations with purely beneficial effects don't stay rare -- though the effects may be a net neutral or positive in modern society.

[Astromancer]

Originally Posted by Anthony

It almost certainly does have detrimental effects -- rare mutations with purely beneficial effects don't stay rare -- though the effects may be a net neutral or positive in modern society.

In preindustrial times double muscle mass probably was less useful than the increased need for high protein food and lower fat storage was detrimental. In our modern world it's another matter altogether.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Astromancer

In preindustrial times double muscle mass probably was less useful than the increased need for high protein food and lower fat storage was detrimental. In our modern world it's another matter altogether.

That may be a large part of it, but it's also a rare condition, so it may have effects that just haven't been noticed due to rarity.

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by Anthony

That may be a large part of it, but it's also a rare condition, so it may have effects that just haven't been noticed due to rarity.

Animal analogues are known. There's a Belgian draft horse breed or something like that. Births are difficult for them. That's a pretty big drawback.

[Astromancer]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

Animal analogues are known. There's a Belgian draft horse breed or something like that. Births are difficult for them. That's a pretty big drawback.

Less so for Transhuman Space women and equivalents.

[Flyndaran]

It also causes excessive muscle growth in the heart.
And strong muscles but NOT strong bones, ligaments, tendons, etc. will often lead to injury.
Fat is not 100% evil, and muscle is not 100% good.

[Mike Wightman]

Humans being able to digest cow's milk - or rather the lactose in it - was once a rare mutation...

still is in some parts of the world.

[Astromancer]

Originally Posted by Mike Wightman

Humans being able to digest cow's milk - or rather the lactose in it - was once a rare mutation...

still is in some parts of the world.

Good point. A new mutation with benefits can spread quickly. In this case the mutation might be spread by new methods.

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by Astromancer

Less so for Transhuman Space women and equivalents.

Just explaining why it may not have spread yet.

Getting this as a pre-natal genemod may not be all that attractive generally. People that want it should be able to get it as that muscle-building proteus virus described in the Muscle Graft section of Bio-tech. It might even be cheaper and of course Muscle Reinforcement gives you strength without extra weight or bulk.