NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Charles Darwin was on to something when he visited the Galapagos Islands. He formed his evolution by natural selection thesis, which holds that biological traits become more or less common based on a species' surroundings. Some prominent examples are the white fur of polar bears, changing beak sizes of birds and chemical-resistant bugs. 

In his new book, "Evolving Ourselves," Steve Gullans and co-author Juan Enriquez, said there is now an unnatural selection in individuals' daily lives. Gullans and Enriquez based this idea on their observations. 

Because of today's technological and biological advances, humans are changing their environment, rather than having the environment change them. 

Gullans makes it clear that he is not refuting Darwin in the least bit. He says that Darwin's theories apply to the natural and what he calls the unnatural world.  

He says that today's world is being driven by humans, not nature. 

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Specifically, advances in drug therapies have evolved. Last year, there were 41 drugs approved, he said. That's the most that have been approved in several years. 

Scientists are in the early innings of figuring out how to modify the human genome, helping to slow, reverse and cure illnesses and diseases. 

In the future, these gene-modifying processes will benefit the population in "many, many ways," he said. We may find ways to slow or stop climate change, Gullans said. 

Technology and biotechnology are evolving rapidly, and Gullan is optimistic this will be in our best interest. Humans' improved understanding of nature will benefit  "us and our grandchildren," he said. 

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.