THALIDOMIDE!!!

Pharmacological properties of thalidomide (alpha-phthalimido glutarimide), a new sedative hypnotic drug.
SOMERS GF.

Thalidomide (alpha-phthalimidoglutarimide, "Distaval," "Contergan") is a new sedative hypnotic drug which produces no toxic effects when administered orally to animals in massive doses. This lack of toxicity may be due to limited absorption. The drug has a quietening effect on the central nervous system, reducing the voluntary activity of laboratory animals and promoting sleep. Unlike the barbiturate drugs it does not cause an initial excitation in mice, incoordination or narcosis. It potentiates the actions of other central nervous system depressants, in particular the barbiturates. Its sedative effects are counteracted by central nervous system stimulants. It has no deleterious side effects and does not affect the heart, respiration or autonomic nervous system.

Br J Pharmacol Chemother. 1960 Mar;15:111-6.

Thalidomide and congenital abnormalities.
SPEIRS AL.
Lancet. 1962 Feb 10;1(7224):303-5.

The Thalidomide Lesson.

Science.1962 Aug 17;137(3529):497.

Why is this cool?

 For those not in the know, thalidomide was originally a drug that was prescribed for nausea and the most nauseous people are pregnant. Naturally, pregnant women were prescribed the drug and for a while they felt better. Their sleepless nights ended with the drug, but began again once their children were born. It turns out that thalidomide causes very visible birth defects such as flippers and webbed hands.

 This is cool?!

 Let me explain why I think this is cool. Obviously, flipper babies are tragedies, but  I have an immense interest in understanding how it is that the DNA gets decoded into a human and the embryo is the biggest jump. Thalidomide gave us a peek into the world of the developing human!

 I also wonder how much stress the embryo can take before malformations occur. Is it possible that with the correct concentration and temporal administration of teratogens we can vastly alter human morphology while retaining all the psychological elements of humanity.

 THIS IS MASQUE!!! He produces teratogens and molds human flesh to his whim!!

 Delving into truly unattainable levels, what if teratogen therapy can be applied such that animal embryos, such as primates, could be create a human-esque being? Or human embryos altered to produce animals. Maybe more practically, teratogen therapy could be used to ensure parents with genetic malformations can treat their children in utero to prevent such malformations from manifesting. A chemical approach to genetic disorders as opposed to a genetic or stem cell approach!