The promise made by gene science is that if we understand how genes work, we will be able to intervene in the evolutionary process at the genetic level – that we will be able to re-design the natural world to improve nature or correct nature’s mistakes.  The benefits from using such a powerful science are obvious - but only obtainable if the science can be accurately and safely applied. Until scientists know more about genes and how they behave, the consequences of gene transfer will remain uncertain – as will the future of gene science.