...Genetic engineering is the process of genetically modifying an organism, it’s a possibility in the near future. This process allows scientists to manipulate the characteristics of their test subjects, and if need be heal them. Human genetic engineering is genetic engineering that is conducted humans. Many people support human genetic engineering because of its potential medical purposes. However, the topic of designer babies has raised some heads, as some are against it because they believe it’s playing God. Human Genetic engineering has been viewed as a way to cure hereditary diseases. There are over 3,000 diseases as a result of a genetic disorder. Conditions such as sickle-cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington's...
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...scientific revolution that brings one of the most controversial ideas of all time: genetic engineering of humans. I believe this is morally wrong, dangerous, and will lead to problems in our society. The ethical dilemmas of human genetic engineering are what make this issue so controversial. Humans are trying to play too large a role in the universe. Many people believe that genetic engineering of humans is interfering with natural processes like the random selection of genes for looks and talent passed from parents to offspring. Human genetic engineering could let individuals “play God” and choose and manipulate their genes and those of their children. I believe that giving people this power goes against the basic forces of nature. All that is really needed is for us to accept ourselves the way we are. The idea of a divided society in the near future is a troubling and likely consequence of human genetic engineering. Societies have always been divided by varying degrees of inequity and bias. Now, with the emergence of the genetic revolution, society entertains the prospect of a new and more serious form of segregation. One based on genotype. The destructiveness of prejudice and discrimination is unmistakable. Imagine a world where the rich not only hold all the power, but they become superhuman. They could do things far beyond even the best abilities of normal people. Genetic engineering will bring about a rift between the upper-class citizens who are fortunate enough...
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...Whitney Summers Ms. Wert English 101 H December 3, 2012 Genetic Engineering Just imagine the scene: and newlywed wife and husband are sitting down with a catalog, browsing joyously, pointing and awing at all the different options, fantasizing about all the possibilities that could become of their future. Is this a catalog for new furniture? No. This catalog for all features, phenotype and genotype, for the child they are planning to have. It is basically a database for parents to pick and choose all aspects of their children, from the sex of the child, to looks, and even to personality traits. Parents since the beginning of time have “planned” to have children, but never have they been able to legitimately “plan” out their child. This scene does not seem typical for our time and age, but truthfully it is what is becoming of our world. Through substantial research and experimentation that is taking place, scientists, specifically biologists, are becoming keener to the field of engineering; Genetic engineering that is. When one thinks of “genetic engineering,” the first thought is probably a perfect child, or paradoxically some inconceivable creature, forged under the microscope in a scientific laboratory. Though both of these are genetic engineering, many people do not consider other things, such as genetic engineering of agriculture and medicine, both of which are extremely useful. Through the genetic altering of plants and crops, scientists have been able to manipulate...
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...and cons of genetic engineering. Hayes starts off the essay by giving examples of what could happen if you genetically engineer your child; you could make them attractive, give them photographic memories, or even ensure they have a life span of up to 200 years. The author makes this all sound very attractive to the reader. He also assumes that the reader wants this for their children; the parents want the children to be the best of the best. Throughout the beginning of the essay Hayes gives examples of the progress we have made as a whole in the genetic engineering field. He explains that Science magazine reported that the 5-HTT gene reduces the risk of depression. It can also help depression after stressful events. He then goes into detail about how in 1993 the University of California at San Francisco biochemist Cynthia Kenyon had discovered a gene called DAF-2 that made nematode worms live four weeks instead of their normal two week life span. Hayes then goes into testimony that states if we do genetic engineering that we will mess up the natural selection process. Professor Lee Silver from Yale University also goes into detail and talks about how if we do this genetic engineering the genetic engineered people will be at the top of the classes, running things like politics and large corporations; while the ‘regular’ people would be lower class and working labor and service jobs. Hayes explains that people have one of two reactions when you talk about genetic engineered...
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...Genetic Enhancement on the Human Genome The debate on whether human genetic engineering should be researched and used as the main alternative solution to disease have been going on since the creation of the "human genetic engineering" phenomenon. The ethical question is clear: should money be invested in human genetic engineering and should we research it at all, even if it is formally criticized by all monotheistic religions? The ethical principles in conflict are beneficence (people with fatal diseases could be cured) and non-maleficence (undermines the will of God, according to religious groups and in addition, there is no guarantee of successful results). My stance on this debated topic is that human genetic engineering should not be funded or researched, as there is no 100% guarantee that it will be successful, and in addition, I am a very religious person, and in my opinion, the body that a person has is a gift of God, and it should not be changed in any ways. However, there are still thousands of people with fatal diseases who have no hope for surviving, and human genetic engineering could serve as the only hope for them. There are many sides that can be affected either positively or negatively if human genetic engineering is funded and researched, however, the major stakeholders are primarily the government of US and private companies who fund all the experiments, people with fatal diseases who hope for any type of cure., and the science in general, because if human genetic...
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...Genetic Engineering: Designer Babies What if the world were free of genetic diseases, or if it was a place where parents could control their offspring’s height, hair color and intelligence? The science may be closer to being available then some people think. Genes sometimes interact in ways that human may never completely understand, so we never know what might happen. Society could become a place with designer babies, unforeseen genetic problems and a genetically enhanced society where only the rich benefit. So even though human genetic engineering has potential benefits the interference in a person’s genetic makeup is too risky, moral debates arise, and it could throw off the sociological balance of our world. The world’s first designer baby was born in 2000, a test tube baby named Adam Nash. He was altered by the use of a technique called the Pre-Implantation Process. He was born to save his older sister’s life, because she suffered from a low blood count disorder and was in dire need of a bone marrow transplant. The Nash family sparked the ethical debate over the alteration and the use of a baby’s genes, a debate that has since grown in argumentative evidence for and against the development of a possible worldwide lawful altering of baby’s genes. Consequently, there are many issues with the ideas put forth. The eradication of genetic diseases is a very exciting; it poses a great socioeconomic balance of out world. For example, for the disabled who have been the way they...
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...genetically modifying a baby, this is very wrong. Genetic modifying or genetic engineering is altering someone or something’s DNA. Scientists hope to cure diseases with this method, but doing this can lead to some harmful effects. This process is very unethical. This can lead to genetic defects, it limits genetic diversity, and it can be taken to very extreme levels. ` To start us off, genetically engineering a baby can be very unsafe for it and lead to genetic defects. Scientists don’t know everything about the human body yet, and because of this, if we end up modifying something, it could end up affecting something important that we didn’t know about....
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...Genetic engineering is a very new and undiscovered topic. Bioengineers have been experimenting with cells in petri dishes, trying to clone cells and mutate them. Scientists have even figured out how to change human DNA before it's even born. Doing so allows them to change physical features, abilities, and prevent certain diseases such as alzheimer's. I imagine that genetic engineering is very helpful and could potentially further our society. However, it is illegal to change or mutate DNA in a child in the US. Specifically modifying or editing gene cells or embryos so that a child has certain features are called “designer babies.” Designer babies could be of great help to society. For example, if the next generation is biologically smarter,...
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...The What If Factor In “Ethics and the New Genetics” , the Dalai Lama is concerned about society being able to follow and uphold a moral compass while our technological capabilities advance, which is extremely easy and practical for a religious leader to say. What if the Dalai Lama is extremely wrong and biased in his outlook on what the world will look like after such major medical advances? The Dalai Lama says there may be many consequences of science on culture and society. In all reality, consequences will never be known unless; these medical and technological advances are introduced and tried out. Consequences and effects play a very major role in science; it is all trial and error. The Dalai Lama may try to give the good and bad sides of these advances; however, they are vague and cannot be taken as the “doctrine” or “moral compass” for society. The Dalai Lama comes from Tibet, a place where people are not as nearly as modern or technologically advanced as Americans or other world powers. Tibetans have totally different priorities, morals and outlooks on life. So, how could the Dalai Lama expect for modernized people to follow his guidance when he comes from a background that lives for the future and not the present? In reality, the world is having so many medical and social issues now, from the swine flu outbreak to the present state of our economy. Do we forget about these present issues and just focus on a future world that may not even be here in the near future...
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...future hunger controversy is what inspired biotechnology and genetic engineering. The hopes of solving the food problem of this world’s growing population has brought about the genetic engineering or genetically modified crops in farming. Even though some proponents that genetically modified foods could be beneficial to the world, to include taste and quality, and resistance to disease, the truth is yet to be recognized unequivocally. There are thousands of questions to be answered and further research to be done. Public awareness is equally necessary and the reality of food and crop engineering and distributing is also yet to be complete. This paper will examine if the consumption of genetically engineered foods is good for human health, the agriculture and the world’s food supply, genetically engineering involving nature, the positive and negative aspects, and the food security and alternatives. II. Human Health a) Public Awareness b) Taste c) Promises III. Agriculture and Food Supply a) Pollution of crops b) Does more or less need to be done with genetic modification c) Too much or too less will cause hunger IV. Nature a) Will species be harmed? Will land be harmed? V. Positive and Negative Effects a) Pros b) Cons VI. Food Security/Alternatives a) Alternative Routes b) Organic Farming VII. Conclusion There are great alternatives to genetic engineering; there will always be surplus requirements. The nation has...
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...Genetic Engineering is Not the Answer to Hunger Rachel Salters Genetic Engineering is Not the Answer to Hunger In the past ten years, the world has seen many changes and advances, but none hold as many possibilities as genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is turning up all over, and it is definitely here to stay. Just as computers and plastics changed most aspects of living, since they were invented, biological engineering has the potential to do the same in the future. This new technology has a wide range of possible benefits, from helping farmers and sick people, to improving foods and helping the environment. Genetic engineering may even one day be used to help solve world hunger. Genetically engineered crops might seem an ideal solution. Yet both current data and past examples show problems and provoke doubts as to their necessity.There is no simple solution to end world hunger. Genetic engineering is not the answer, just as pesticides weren't the answer. Even increasing food production is not the answer. World hunger will only end when the underlying causes of poverty are addressed. Poverty stops people from obtaining their basic right to food - either because they have no means to purchase food or they have no access to the farmland and natural resources necessary to meet basic food needs (http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/edumat/IHRIP/circle/modules/module12.htm). Genetically engineering crops do not address the poverty that causes hunger – in fact it threatens...
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...Is genetic engineering the answer to ending global hunger? Jennifer E. Law SCI 207 Haleh Keshtkar February 27, 2012 The controversial statement that genetic engineered food may be the solution to hunger in the world is gaining more and more interest by the media in today’s society. On the one hand, supporters of biotechnology believe that genetic engineered food ensures and sustains food security around the world as the population increases, but on the other hand, there are many concerns involved with genetically modified food. In fact, a lot of food that we eat on a daily basis contains genetically modified ingredients and usually without our knowledge. Yet, is genetic engineered food safe? Moreover, do we really need genetic modified food? Many researchers do not consider biotechnology the solution to hunger but they believe that poverty is the cause of famine in numerous countries. As a result, biotechnology raises various questions among citizens and farmers since there is the assumption that genetic engineered food is the key to eliminating global starvation (Genetically, 2010). Before weighing the pros and cons of genetic engineered food, it is essential to understand what is genetic engineered food? “Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of living organisms” (What is genetically, 2010). Scientists have learned that there are ways of changing the structure of DNA in living organisms and build customized DNA. Genetic...
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...Intro to Biology Kerry Lee November 29, 2015 Gene Technology Biological basis - Genetic engineering is a laboratory process by which an individual genome is purposely modified. With genetic engineering a gene from one species can be transferred to another and produce an organism that is transgenic or a gene can be altered and reinserted into an individual of the same species. Either way resulting in genetically modified organism also known as GMO. One GMO being used now is genetically modified or engineered animals which are animals in which modern technology and molecular biology are used to alter their existing characteristics or traits. Genetically modified animals are used for various purposes the biggest one now is bio pharma meaning they are intended to produce substances that can be used for human or animal pharmaceuticals. There is also a development of genetically modified animals for the use of scarce cells, tissue, or organs for transplants into humans known as xenotransplantation such as organs from pigs who are a potential source of organs for transplant. The benefits genetically modified animals can produce depend entirely on the traits that are introduced, for example some animals can be made to grow faster and therefore requiring less food to sustain them other animals have improved fat composition providing a more healthful nutrient profile. As of now no genetic modified animal has been approved to be raised for food use in the U.S.A mostly genetically...
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...Dr. Finley MBI 121 Genetic engineering has triggered many new technologies and changes in our society today since the 1970s. A broad definition of genetic engineering would be direct manipulation of an organism’s genome. This can be done by inserting new DNA to the host’s existing genetic makeup with the use of enzymes, or by inserting synthesized DNA into the host. Scientists in the past and present are trying to use this technology to create organisms that can benefit the world’s health and advancement. I believe that engineering microbes should continue in the future and the benefits outweigh the concerns. For example, the synthetic production of insulin by Genentech has helped countless people to get the insulin they need. Prior to this discovery there was a shortage of insulin since it is found in the pancreas of cows and pigs. Genetic engineering has also helped plants to have higher resistance to pests and disease, eliminating a great deal of food waste. Even though we can see many benefits from this technology, there are also problems that have risen with genetic modification. One of these concerns is the company Monsanto, and other food companies which have dominated 70% of America’s food production. While farmers and large industries reap the benefits of having high resistant plants, consumers gain nothing. The question of whether this food is healthy for people to consume is an issue and other countries around the world do not allow GMO food. Besides...
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...Are Genetically Modified Foods Safe for Human Consumption? Arianne Liz Quila DeVry University Professor Donham-Miller/English 135 Advanced Composition December 16, 2010 It’s a sad reality that many Americans are unaware that they have been eating foods that were genetically modified. In fact, more than half of the processed and unprocessed foods sold in supermarkets have been genetically engineered and yet, 59% of us are clueless about it (IFIC, 2008). The technology of genetic engineering or genetic modification is widely used in food industry because it produces plants that have better qualities such as bigger size and longer shelf life while reducing the production cost at the same time. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of GM foods for human consumption. This is due to several health incidents in the past that have been linked to ingestion of GM organisms such as the death of 37 people in 1987 caused by a food supplement that contains GM bacteria(Taggart, 2010, par. 7). Research studies also show that GM foods could cause allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance and even organ deterioration. Although genetically modified foods possess favorable attributes, they could also introduce new allergens and toxins that are dangerous to human health making these foods unsafe for consumption. What are GM Foods? Genetically modified (GM) foods refer to food items in which the genetic make-up has been altered. Some processed foods can also be considered GM foods...
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