History is full of scientists who conducted experiments now deemed deeply unethical. Modern ethics boards ensure such work doesn't happen today. But in a candid Reddit thread, researchers shared provocative ideas they'd pursue without constraints.
"(Serious) Reddit scientists, what would you desperately like to experiment on, but would make you look like a mad scientist?"
One researcher proposed: "I want to take the DNA of infamous serial killers like Dahmer, Albert Fish or others, clone them, and then have the babies raised in normal, supportive families and loving." They'd track the children into adulthood to settle the classic "nature versus nurture" debate.
A physician chimed in: "I'm a doctor and I'd like to see how far the placebo effect really goes."
The placebo effect triggers real improvements through psychological and physiological means, despite no active treatment. For instance, pain patients report relief from sugar pills, and some recover from knee injuries after sham surgeries—where doctors anesthetize, incise, close up, and do nothing else.
"So part of me would just love to explore this fully. Could placebos treat chronic conditions like arthritis, lupus, or bipolar disorder? What about viruses? Imagine an HIV patient's viral load dropping while they take Skittles, believing it's a miracle drug."
"Obviously this is just a fantasy. You'd need two HIV-positive groups: one on real drugs, one on candy. Profoundly unethical," the doctor acknowledged.
Social isolation fascinates another: "Raise a child without language and see what happens. No contact. Feral children hint at the trauma, but it's completely unethical—cruel yet intriguing."
A different idea: "How long for isolated children through puberty to grasp gender and sex? They'd likely discover masturbation, but 'tab A in slot B'?"
"Raise them normally but omit sex education. No shaming if guards catch teens exploring—no 'we don't do that.' Just observe how instinctive it is without internet, peers, parents, books, or TV guiding them."
Check the original Reddit thread for more ideas and fascinating discussions.
