...technology as influence new and creative developments through the storing and sharing of data. Today, information technology has even impacted science. Through the use of information technology, data collected by scientists across the country and even the globe can be stored and accessed for further research by other scientists. New technologies have been developed that aid...
Words: 1294 - Pages: 6
...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...
Words: 1596 - Pages: 7
...Cell Biology Paper | Genetic Engineering | | | | Genetic Engineering Is a Future Harmony or a Future Harm | Done By: Sarah Amer Al melli Date: 4/27/2012 My paper is about genetic engineering talking about whether it is a harmony to the future or harm thus, discussing its applications and uses and on the other hand it disadvantages and harmful sides. | Genetic Engineering Future Harmony or Future Harm Introduction The world of science has experienced many profound breakthroughs and advances in the twentieth century, but none perhaps as great as that of genetic engineering. However, the twentieth century society is not prepared or even willing at times to accept the moral and ethical controversies genetic engineering is creating. In my paper I will be talking about genetic engineering wither it’s a benefit or a harm to the future. Body Genetic engineering, defined as “the use or manipulation of an individual’s genetic material in order to produce desired characteristics or results in the same individual, other individuals of the same species, or other species,” is undoubtedly changing society’s relationship with nature, medicine, and perhaps its own cultural values. The completion of genome mapping will allow a health plan for each person, preventing genetic disease and promoting a better life. However, genetic engineering, also called gene splicing or gene cloning, is not being welcomed with open arms. It affects the moral values of human beings...
Words: 1331 - Pages: 6
...Gene technology carries with it social and ethical implications—many of which engender personal views and discussion. Select one (1) of the following biotechnology topics to write about: * Genetically modified animals 1. Biological basis. Describe the technology. Discuss what it accomplishes. Elaborate on the scientific principles that make this technology possible. Your goal in this section of the paper is to show the instructor that you understand the underlying science behind the technology. Describe how exactly the technology works. Discuss the biological principles that underlie this technology. Genetic engineering is the use of tools of modern biotechnology and molecular biology to introduce new characteristics or traits into organisms. It is a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal to introduce new genetic material, or delete or alter existing genetic material. Genetic engineering comes from foreign genes of bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans which enables people to introduce a much wider range of new characteristics into an organism than is possible by conventional breeding. Animals that have had genes artificially added or removed from their DNA are described as genetically modified animals. Genetic modification of an animal involves altering its genetic material by adding, changing or removing certain DNA orders in a way that does not occur...
Words: 1101 - Pages: 5
...Genetic Engineering Wesley Rupe, Jawad Rana, Layli Stroia, Charles Taiwo, Mariella Velasquez, Mark Young DeVry University Genetic Engineering Table of contents Title page ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1 Table of contents ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 1. A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science (Mariella Velasquez) ………………………………………………..……………. 3 2. Psychological considerations and sociological effects (Mariella Velasquez) …………. 3 3. The historical development and context of the technology (Wesley Rupe) …………. 13 4. Political and legal influences (Mark Young) (Not Complete) 5. Economic questions and considerations (Jawad Rana)………………………………….…… 21 6. The technology in its cultural context, media influence (Charles Taiwo) (Not Complete) 7. Implications for the environment (Charles Taiwo) (Not Complete) 8. Moral and ethical implications (Layli Stroia) ……………………………………………………..… 30 Outline A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science Definition: What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering (GE) is the process of manipulation of an organism genome to create a new DNA. The new DNA might be implanted in a totally different DNA species. It is widely used to create hybrids (some species are not able to naturally breed), correct genetic flows in any type of being. It is applied in...
Words: 8761 - Pages: 36
...dealing with an ethical issue there are many factors that one will have to look at. One unique factor that has to do with genetic engineering is that it could cure and eliminate many heritable diseases. However, is changing the genetic makeup of a child morally correct? The research done by Sullivan made many real-life points on the moral counsel of designer babies and situations in which it made miracles (2007). This research was done by using case studies and showed how it affected the lives of families who were interested in genetic engineering. Studies have been done to analyze how the procedure works and if it is the most effective. The ethical side of designer babies has also been heavily researched. This is where the analysis...
Words: 1938 - Pages: 8
...look at two very controversial issues that have come up today; water boarding and genetic engineering. Is water boarding a form of torture or not? Both sides bring a valid argument to the table. Is genetic engineering socially acceptable or not? Is it a form of acceptance in this new age society? I think that water boarding is ethical and is a successful way of getting a subject to come forth with information withheld, whereas genetic engineering is something which is unethical and immoral. Water boarding is a method used to extract information and is sometimes also referred to as a “torture method”. This approach has been under scrutiny since its introduction in the late 14th century. The method, originally called “water torture” or “water cure”. At that time period it was a way of water induced confession. Today, the methods have changed slightly but the objective is still the same. In today's military, our special forces use this tactic in their SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) training to prepare for any unorthodox treatment they would receive from enemy forces not complying with the Geneva Convention. The CIA also has used this and is currently using this as a form of interrogation of high valued targets in the Al Qaeda regime and other terrorist organizations. Since the beginning of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, this technique has been under scrutiny on whether it is ethical or moral to “torture” people. Christopher Hitchens wrote a short essay called Believe...
Words: 1263 - Pages: 6
...Lisa O’Neil Ethics and Genetic Engineering Essay Ethics are part of our everyday decisions, in order to be ethical we need to firstly understand the basis of ethics. The word ‘Ethics’ comes from the greek word ‘ethikos’ which relates to the customary way to behave in society. Ethics is a branch of philosophy dates back to before 367 b.c. Famously in the history of ethics and philosophy were ‘’The Three Wise Greek Men’’ Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Socrates was a teacher of philosophy and Plato was Socrates student for approximately ten years, and when Socrates died, Aristophanes became Plato's student. Aristotle views were that ‘’ethics is a virtue of happiness, and that the pursuit of virtue is the highest and noblest aim for a human being’’ . Aristotle can be seen as saying ‘’ Nobody would choose to live without friends even if they had everything else they desired ‘’ (quoted from The Puzzle of Ethics- Peter Vardy pg 31). Socrates took a practical view on ethics, he was concerned with ‘’how an individual would live in order to achieve happiness’’. Socrates can be seem as saying; ‘’Think hard enough and you will always find that doing the right thing is best for you ‘’ ( quoted in Peter singers A companion to Ethics, Blackwell p. 125 ). Plato's view was much more in depth and most famously contradicts Socrates work. Plato believes ethics is ‘’ knowledge is the virtue of happiness ‘’ . Plato can be seen as saying ‘’ If you believe something is right than its right...
Words: 3690 - Pages: 15
...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...
Words: 2205 - Pages: 9
...Wanda Brewington Professor Maria Zaccaria Introduction to Ethics April 27, 2015 Outline THESIS: Is the use of stem cells favorable for healing and or curing human diseases more favorable for healing and or curing diseases more significant than the ethical concerns and arguments? I. What are stem cells? A) An unspecialized cell that can generate to one or more different types of specialized cells regenerated as blood or nerve cells. B) Stem cells are present in embryos and in tissues of adult organisms. II. How are stem cells used? A) Scientific Research B) Potential disease and treatment and or cures C) In vitro fertilization D) Cloning and Genetic Engineering III. Ethical concerns regarding stems cells. A) Scientific research perspective B) Political/Moral Ethics perspective C) Religious/Utilitarianism perspective IV. Conclusion | Stem Cells Risk or Benefit Since the introduction of DNA, scientists have researched many ways to treat and extinguish disease. One interesting way is through the use of stem cells. To get better understanding of stem cells, they are defined as non-specific biological cells capable of differentiating into specialized cells. Stems cells have a unique quality of developing and duplicating cells through the process of cell division. The distinctiveness of stem cells is that they are unspecialized, meaning...
Words: 2337 - Pages: 10
...Genetic Engineering Genes can determine human traits and behaviors, as well as influence health and disease. With new technologies regarding genetics coming about, researchers are discovering its many applications for engineering the best traits in humans. Because of this, however, there are a number of controversies surrounding the topic. Is the genetic engineering of human embryos an ethical option for bringing out the best traits possible? Are there any limits of what we can do and what we should do? I believe that genetic engineering is an acceptable practice. However, this technology should only be used to prevent disabilities or life threatening diseases, instead of using it for enhancing humans and selecting the best traits to create...
Words: 1066 - Pages: 5
...Genetic Engineering, the manipulation of an organism’s genetic makeup, has been around ever since the 1968 discovery of restriction enzymes (“Genetic Engineering”). Those that are genetically manipulated are known to be GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). Scientists first started by genetically modifying bacteria (“Genetic Engineering”), and as technology and research advanced, so did genetic engineering. Scientists can now genetically modify several organisms, including plants and food. One of the most common types of genetically modified organisms are animals. This is called Animal Biotechnology, which includes the cloning and genetic engineering of animals (“Ethical Implications of Animal Biotechnology”). Animal Biotechnology continues to be a controversial topic. Although many issues are debated, genetic modification of animals is ethical since they help save human lives, are good models for research, and aid with agriculture....
Words: 585 - Pages: 3
...Genetic Engineering Although genetic engineering is an entirely new field, it has fascinated mankind for many years. Genetic engineering gives the power to change many aspects of nature and could result in a lot of life-saving and preventative treatments. Today, scientists have a greater understanding of genetics and its role in living organisms. However, if this power is misused, the damage could be very great. Therefore, although genetic engineering is a field that should be explored, it needs to be strictly regulated and tested before being put into widespread use. Genetic engineering has also, opened the door way to biological solutions for world problems, as well as aid for body malfunctions. I think that scientists should indeed stop making genetic engineering for humans, because it will soon prove to be devastating to the human race. It would cause rivalries and tension among different kinds of genetically engineered humans for dominance and power. If a limit is not set between using genetic engineering for treatment and using genetic engineering for enhancement, then many parents could use it purely for eugenic purposes. This could cause ethical concerns but social concerns as well. If this was allowed to occur, it would also give the rich even more advantages than they already have to begin with and drive the social classes even farther apart. The use of genetic engineering may also lead to genetic discrimination. As in the movie Gattaca, a person could easily get...
Words: 428 - Pages: 2
...into the genes of an unrelated animal. “The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans.” Retrieved November 27, 2014 from, http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-education. Transgenic refers to those specific genetic engineering processes that remove genetic material from one species of animal and add it to a different species. Due to the high similarity in genetic sequences for proteins among species, transgenic organisms are able to effectively assimilate and express these trans-genes. These genetically engineered animals are also known as “transgenic” animals. This process may be called Genetic Engineering or Genetic Modification; they are one in the same. Genetic engineering enables animals to produce useful proteins and are being produced to assist with human medicine such as biopharmaceutical products. Some of these include, antibodies that can be used for the treatment of infections, cancer, organ transplant rejections, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Gene technology has only been possible since the 1960’s due to the greater understanding of DNA and how it functions following the discovery of its structure by Watson and Crick in 1953. Social and ethical implications: The generation of a new genetically engineered line of animals often involves the death of some animals and requires surgical procedures (for example, vasectomy, surgical embryo transfer) on others. These procedures are not unique to genetically...
Words: 1049 - Pages: 5
...THE GENETIC ENGINEERING: FRIEND OR FOE By The discussion about genetic engineering has been going on for a long time. Over the last two decades the science behind genetic engineering has advanced rapidly. Since scientists have gained the ability to map most of the human genome, they have begun to understand the different ways that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be manipulated or altered. The manipulation and altering of DNA can be done by many different methods, but the goals of these methods are all the same; to manipulate the genetic material in order to change its hereditary traits or to produce biological products. Experiments have been conducted in many different areas to include: bacteria, naturally produced drugs, plants, livestock, and laboratory animals. Many processes around genetic engineering are still in the experimental stages, but some processes that deal with bacteria, natural produced drugs and plants have gained approval from agencies such as the Federal Department of Agriculture. The most controversial matters about genetic engineering is its potential us in human beings. This brings rise to many ethical and moral issues about genetic engineering, which we will discuss. In general there are three techniques used in the manipulation of human genes, they are cloning, somatic cell manipulation, and human germline manipulation. In general, cloning consists of creating exact copies...
Words: 1370 - Pages: 6
