...livestock to get a good harvest or big cow. 1883 was when the term started referring to humans. Eugenics became popular in early 20th century. The experimenting and testing was going in good direction until the idea of it was turned into justifying genocide. In the present, this procedure is used safely and effectively for positive outcomes. So if parents want to alter genes to make the baby healthier or if they just want to pick eye color, they should be able to. While I do feel there is no reason to not have the procedure for the betterment of your child, I do feel its not fair to claim that it is right and that's that.” “ Many peoples opinions about this are effected by religion and morals and who am I to say that they are wrong. Although it is very safe and advanced, there is a risk that things could turn out not how the parent expected. People believe that babies should be how god intended, and there is nothing wrong with thinking like that. C. although many people believe this procedure is unethical, and there opinion is just as valuable as anyone elses, it is no less ethical to alter your childs genes than to choose a religion or have them play sports. Its parenting and decisions that...
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...Gene therapy fact sheet 1. What is a gene therapy? * Gene therapy is an experimental way of using genes to treat or prevent disease. * Gene therapy is an experimental technique for treating disease by altering the patient's genetic material. Most often, gene therapy works by introducing a healthy copy of a defective gene into the patient's cells. 2. Methodology of gene therapy In general, genetic material cannot be inserted directly into a person's cells. Instead, it is delivered to the cells using a carrier, or “vector.” The vectors most commonly used in gene therapy are viruses, because they have the unique ability to recognize certain cells and insert genetic material into them. Scientists alter these viruses to make them safer for humans (e.g., by inactivating genes that enable them to reproduce or cause disease) and or to improve their ability to recognize and enter the target cell. 3. How gene therapy is applied or works As this is still an experimental treatment, the way in which gene therapy is given may vary or change as new techniques develop. Initially, cells are taken from a blood sample. The genes are isolated and changed (engineered) in the laboratory. They are then attached to a chemical or inserted into a vector. Then the changed genes within the carrier are usually given by a drip into a vein (intravenously), through a small tube (cannula) inserted into the vein. They may be given directly into the tumour by injection, which...
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...Gene Therapy SCI115 Introduction to Biology Professor Cassie Prisco November 28, 2014 Gene therapy is a rapidly growing field of medicine in which genes are introduced into the body to treat diseases. It is the name applied to the treatment of inherited diseases by corrective genetic engineering of the dysfunctional genes. It is part of a broader field called genetic medicine, which involves the screening, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hereditary conditions in humans. The results of genetic screening can pinpoint a potential problem to which gene therapy can sometimes offer a solution. Genes represent the genetic material that organisms pass on from generation to generation. Therefore, genes are responsible for controlling hereditary traits and provide the basic biological code or blueprint for living organisms. Genes produce protein such as hair and skin as well as proteins that are important for the proper functioning of organs. Mutated or defective genes often cause disease. The purpose of gene therapy is to replace a defective gene with a normal copy of the same gene in attempt to restore function. Initially conceived as an approach for treating inherited diseases, like cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease, the scope of potential gene therapies has grown to include treatments for cancers, arthritis, and infectious diseases. Although gene therapy testing in humans has rapidly advanced, in general, the field of gene therapy has proven to be problematic...
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...Current research on cystic fibrosis gene therapy suggests that it will become an important treatment strategy INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease, triggered by mutation in the gene CFTR i.e. cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. CFTR is an ABC gene i-e ATP-binding cassette (transporter) gene that encodes a protein. This CFTR protein is a chloride ion channel protein that controls the flow of chloride ions and water across the cells. This movement is important in generating sweat, digestive juices, as well as mucus secretion and its clearance. This CFTR gene is located at q 31.2 locus of chromosome 7 long arm. The most common mutation in cystic fibrosis is removal of three nucleotides that results in loss of a nucleotide phenylalanine (F) at 508th position at the long arm of chromosome 7. Depending upon the protein expression and function six classes of mutations have been identified in cystic fibrosis: CLASS I: these are non-sense mutations that hinder the protein synthesis as they have premature stop codons. CLASS II: these mutations are most commonly found in patients of cystic fibrosis that include the deletions of phenylalanine 508th del. As a result of this deletion, protein folding is reduced and as a result its transport to cell surface is impaired and it undergoes degradation within the cellular lysosomes. CLASS III: in these mutations, proteins are normally present but are not expressed to a level that responds to intracellular...
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...more at risk than others because of their genes. By scanning the entire genomes of lung-cancer patients and healthy controls, research teams identified a region on chromosome 15 that seems to influence the likelihood of developing cancer. People possessing a certain set of mutations at this genetic location are more likely than others to have the disease. Research suggests about 50% of the general population carries a single copy of this cancer gene variant, while another 10% of the population is likely to carry two copies of this set of mutations, raising cancer risk by as much as 80% relative to people with equivalent lifestyles without the cancer-linked gene variant (Hopkin,2016). The most relevant genes in lung cancer include the following: EGFR, KRAS, MET, LKB1, BRAF, PIK3CA, ALK, RET, and ROS1 (El-Telbany & Ma,2012). Lung Cancer and the effects of smoking A typical smoker who refuses or fails to give up has a roughly 15% risk of lung cancer over their lifetime, but with two copies of the genetic variant, this rises to 23%. Researchers disagree over whether non-smokers who possess the genetic risk factor have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The technique called a genome wide association study, hunts 'blindly' for genetic mutations correlated with certain diseases, but provides no information about the mechanisms that cause the disease. Researchers believes that the genes promote cancer by making people more vulnerable...
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...The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering Research & Position Paper Table of Contents DNA Fingerprinting/ Genetically Modified Foods --------------------------------------------------- p. 3 Gene Therapy/Cloning------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 4 Stem Cell Technology------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 5 Position Paper------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 6-7 Bibliography-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 8-10 Evaluation Rubric----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 7 DNA Fingerprinting DNA fingerprinting are tests that help to identify and analyze a person’s DNA. The term “fingerprinting” is used because finger prints, like DNA, vary from person to person and no two people have the same DNA or fingerprints. So, when scientists identify a person’s DNA, it can only be linked back to one individual and can help to obtain information about that specific individual. DNA fingerprinting can be done through many different ways. Some ways are through blood samples from a vein or heel, saliva samples, skin samples, or hair samples. The purpose of DNA fingerprinting is to help link family members together, find things that cause diseases, to help aid in crime scene investigations, and to...
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...The second kind of gene therapy is somatic therapy. At the beginning of this therapy it was designed to treat inherited diseases which include, cystic fibrosis, which is a hereditary diseases which can lead to respiratory infections. but now they believe which gene therapy they can find treatments for cancer, arthritis and infectious diseases. out of the two therapies somatic therapy has been focused on. not only for its safer and more educated reasoning but also of the ethical aspect of it, as if only effects the one person and cant be genetically passed down through generations. although this therapy has been around for a very long time researchers say that there is still a lot of work to be done. there are many positive sides to the treatment,...
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...no one has disabilities, diseases or any other problem like that and Imagine that humans could live to 150 or above. Well as it turns out this just maybe be possible. “Recently Scientist have started using a new form of surgery that involves using enzymes to get rid of diseases and disabilities by cutting them out” (Griffin, A , 2017). This is known as Genetic Therapy or Gene Engineering and with it we could change the world for the better. So now I’ll tell you just some of great opportunities coming out with this. But before that my claim: Genetic Engineering should be used to enhance humans. Gene Editing should be used, b/c if it was we could possible make it so that people who can’t have children can, also it could get rid of inherent disease. “Scientist in Oregon have begun using CRISPR to start fixing human genes in...
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...(c) Playing God: Another area of concern, is whether we are playing “God” with human evolution. (Cite – Pro/Con) The notion being science should be left out of childbirth, childbirth is a natural event and has been from the beginning of time. While this may true and childbirth should not be left to science, science is sometimes necessary to intervene when it comes to natural events. “People say we should not go against nature, but that’s illogical because every time we cure a disease we go against nature” (Schishor, Simonet, Canaon) Just because an event is natural or unnatural does not make it right or wrong, rather, the purpose behind the intervention should be the focus. (b) Social Fears: The most problematic social concern opponents...
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... Adrenomyelopathy (AMN), affects adult males and is milder than childhood cerebral ALD. But it progresses slowly by comparison and Addison’s disease, also known adrenal insufficiency. Addi-son’s disease develops when your adrenal glands don’t make enough hormones Is it inherited? ALD is an X-linked recessive disorder, meaning that only boys are affected and the mother may be a carrier of the disease. As human beings we have about 30,000 to 40,000 different genes, each has a function in making a person individual. The genes are arranged in pairs (one of the pair from each parent) on 23 chromosomes, some of these genes can be damaged. The gender of the child will be determined by chromosomes that either contain XX (female) or XY (male). The damaged gene in ALD is on the X chromosome. Because females have two X chromosomes, the damage can be completely or partially oppressed by the other healthy X in the pair, but males however, do not have a second X chromosome to provide the working gene. Most carriers of this faulty gene remain healthy, so unless other boys in the family have been affected there is no way of know who is a carrier. Each pregnancy carries a (Group, 15): • 25% chance of the child being an unaffected non-carrier girl • 25% chance of the child being an unaffected carrier girl • 25% chance of the child being an unaffected boy • 25% chance of the child being an affected boy Symptoms of ADL Childhood cerebral ADL – Muscle spasms, seizures, difficulty swallowing, deafness...
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...Psychological approaches make assumptions on how behaviours develop and the methods that they are studied. There are pros and cons for each approach and it is now accepted that one single approach is not entirely correct. Behaviourism states that behaviour is influenced by the environment and reinforcement. Positive and negative reinforcement of behaviours allows the child to adapt their responses to external stimuli. However, if the child is unable to adapt, or learnt incorrect responses, then unusual behaviours are present. Therefore, the approach aims to implement interventions to replace maladaptive responses with the correct ones. Interventions include aversion therapy, operant conditioning, behaviour shaping and token economies. The cognitive...
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...function, over time the digestive tract, mainly the pancreas is being clogged by this thick and sticky mucus, leading to malabsorption of food and nutrition in the intestine (#7 How CF may affect the body). Overall, understanding that Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder with many complications, requiring constant testing to manage and treat the disease, while learning to live with CF to improve the quality of life. When it comes to cystic fibrosis, family matters, especially Mom and Dad. Every child inherits two CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) genes, one from each parent. CF occurs when a child inherits a faulty CFTR gene from each parent. (#6) If a child only inherits one faulty gene then the child can become a carrier of CF and will probably live a normal, healthy life CF free. However, they can pass this faulty CFTR gene to their children. (#6) In the normal CFTR gene, it makes a protein that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of the body’s cells....
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...tract obstructions, and neural defects. Doctors can also perform blood transfusions to help blood disorders and bone marrow transplants to create a healthier immune system. However, this procedure can create other complications such as premature labor and miscarriage, so it is a big decision to decide whether to utilize this technology or not. Another way to try and prevent different malformations is through genetic engineering. Through genetic engineering different genes have been recognized such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington disease, and many forms of cancer. Because of the discovery of such genes, new treatments are being explored such as gene therapy and proteomics. Gene therapy is when doctors give DNA with a proper functioning gene to a cell with the genetic abnormality so as the cell duplicates itself, the correct gene will be spread out within the fetus during pregnancy. While this has relieved symptoms in some patients, others have reported some serious side affects. Proteomics is when, “scientists model gene specific proteins involved in biological aging and disease. “(Berk 44) However, much more research is needed in genetic treatments before a cure is found to treat more complicated diseases. The third option to prevent different malformations is through adoption. Most adults, who are infertile or unable to have children of their own, have a high likelihood of passing on a genetic disease, or who are older but still want a family are using adoption as a viable option...
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...Should Genes be Patented? Patenting genetic discoveries have proven to be controversial throughout the years. There are now patents that are associated with many of the genes within the human genome. Patents are issued to encourage innovation and protect those investing in genetic research the opportunity to maximize profit. During this period, another party can use the discovery to develop a product only with a licensing agreement; however, basic researchers can use it freely. Some argue that this period of exclusivity fosters commercial development of the discovery by discouraging competition. Yet the patenting of genes is not without controversy. Some reject the entire concept of patenting, while others have objections to the patenting of only specific types of DNA sequences. It has also been argued that patents inhibit or limit biomedical research all together. The patenting of human genetic material raises complex social, ethical, and policy issues such as the potential for discrimination in access to healthcare services or employment, and the implications for ongoing research and access to services. The patentability of inventions concerning human genetic material is determined by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To obtain a patent, the invention must meet four criteria. The invention must be “useful” in a practical sense, “novel” (not known or used before filing), “nonobvious” (not an improvement easily made by someone trained in the relevant area), and the...
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...Major Depressive Disorder Ethan Scott Oral Roberts University Major Depressive Disorder Overview and Symptoms “Depression is related to the normal emotions of sadness and bereavement, but it does not remit when the external cause of these emotions dissipates, and it is disproportionate to their causes” (Belmaker, 2008, p. 55). Severe states of depression often have no external precipitating cause, but it is hard to truly know if there was an external cause or not when dealing with severe depression (Belmaker, 2008). It is also known to occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc. Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, which equals about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. It is also the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44. While major depressive disorder can develop at any age, the median age at onset is 32 and is more prevalent in women than in men (Numbers Count, 2014). Diagnosis of Major Depression “The diagnosis of major depression requires a distinct change of mood, characterized by sadness or irritability and is accompanied by some psychophysiological changes” (Belmaker, 2008, p. 56). Major depression can be easy to diagnose from anyone with experience dealing with depression, but understanding the cause of the depression, internally or externally, can be a tough challenge (Carey, 2013). Symptoms of major depression...
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