One other aspect of Genetics in terms of the Singularity focuses on genetic engineering. Recently, people have been able to figure out how to effectively "hack" genes, or at least alter them, in order to accomplish some task or goal. The term "biopunk" has been used to describe these people. In short, genetics can be used not only as a means to helping defeat diseases or study the DNA makeup of a person or species, but it can also be used, interestingly enough, to synthetically modify creatures and people as well.
In his article, "Synthetic biology, ethics, and the hacker culture," Andrew Maynard writes "...here's a question: what are the chances of a biology-based hacker culture arising; enticed by the lure of tinkering with biological codes that define living systems, rather than digital codes that govern digital systems? The answer is that it is already here. The "biohacking" culture is alive and kicking, and already pushing the boundaries of what is possible and acceptable" (Maynard, 2008). A new generation of hackers is upon us, and who knows what they'll get up to? People have already been messing around with the possibilities, making multi colored chicks, for example. The implications for genetic engineering are varied. While on one hand it can be used to help combat and do away with disease and illness, on the other, you could find yourself the proud owner of a glow in the dark bunny. We'll see.