Using biotechnology scientists are already able to edit genes with techniques like cutting and pasting. Synthetic biology will make it possible to bioengineer a wide range of advantageous characteristics including sensory enhancements.
Eventually, bioengineering will enable the creation of new biological life forms as well as bio-mechanical hybrids, potentially capable of entirely new sensory experiences.
While the potential of biotechnology is exciting, it is also an area of accelerating change which could result in nightmarish scenarios including the accidental or intentional release of a highly contagious and deadly pandemic — another compelling reason why we cannot continue to allow our social progress to lag behind our technological prowess.