Famed physicist Stephen Hawking predicted the rise of superhumans in his final work before his death.
According to a Sun report, he suggested genetic engineering was likely to create a new species of elite humans who could even destroy the rest of civilisation.
Hawking, who died aged in March, left a collection of works on “the big questions” to be included in a book which will be published on Tuesday.
In his book 'Brief Answers to the Big Questions' he suggested the rich will soon be able to "edit" their children’s DNA to create superhumans with enhanced memory, disease resistance, intelligence and longevity.
Hawkings wrote, “I am sure that during this century people will discover how to modify both intelligence and instincts such as aggression.
He went on to add that while laws will be passed against genetic engineering with humans, some people won't be able to resist the temptation to improve human characteristics, such as memory, resistance to disease and length of life."
Other scientists welcomed Hawking’s predictions as the best hope for saving the Earth from eventual destruction, reports The Sunday Times.
“Humans have arguably reached a critical moment,” said Chris Rapley, professor of climate science at University College London, before adding, “We have moved beyond affecting the planet at the landscape scale to interfering with its very metabolism at the global scale.”
