Genetics in fiction Genetics in fiction Aspects of genetics including mutation, hybridisation, cloning, genetic engineering, and eugenics have appeared in fiction since the 19th century. Genetics is a young science, having started in 1900 with the rediscovery of Gregor Mendel's study on the inheritance of traits in pea plants. During the 20th century it developed to create new sciences and technologies including molecular biology, DNA sequencing, cloning, and genetic engineering. The ethical implications were brought into focus with the eugenics movement. Since then, many science fiction novels and films have used aspects of genetics as plot devices, often taking one of two routes:
Johann Gregor Thalnitscher Johann Gregor Thalnitscher Johann Gregor Thalnitscher von Thalberg (10 March 1655 – 3 October 1719; less often known by his Slovene name "Janez Gregor Dolničar") was a Carniolan lawyer, scholar of ancient inscriptions, chronicler, and historian. Thalnitscher was born in Ljubljana on 10 March 1655 to Johann Baptist Thalnitscher and Maria Anna née Schönleben. His father was a Ljubljana judge and mayor, and made it possible for his son to study and travel throughout Germany and Italy, where he developed an enthusiasm for Baroque art. He studied in Ingolstadt and Bologna, and became a doctor of law in Bologna in