The Pros And Cons Of Gene Therapy
Scientifically, in the 1990s, the Human Genome Project was not the only influential experiment that tested the boundaries of human knowledge and morality. In 1990, the United States Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health coordinated the Human Genome Project with top scientists and researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and China. The goal of this project was to provide researchers with the tools to understand genetic factors in human diseases. Regarding the project, James Watson says, “I think that the scientific community, if it wants to be ethically responsible to society, has to ask whether we are spending research money in a way that offers the best go at diseases” (Kevles and Hood 165). Even top scientists were aware of the …show more content…
However, not all headlines associated with genetics during the decade were positive. In 1999, Jesse Gelsinger died while participating in a gene therapy experiment with intents to discover more about the ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency he suffered from. “Until Jesse died, gene therapy was a promising idea that had so far failed to deliver. As scientists map the human genome, they are literally tripping over mutations that cause rare genetic disorders.... The initial goal was simple: to cure, or prevent, these illnesses by replacing defective genes with healthy ones” (Stolberg). Gelsinger’s death was a tragedy in the world of science and exposed the nation to the harmful consequences of gene therapy and other genetic manipulations. “Such incidents suggest that the road ahead in treating major diseases - even with knowledge of the human genome - will be far from smooth” (Greenberg). Furthermore, his death reveals the many complications attributed to the many unknowns still present in experiments manipulating the properties of
Crichton Vs Calfee Summary
587 Words | 3 PagesPaper 2 A person who owns a small portion of someone's genes may be the deciding factor on whether a person's illness is further researched or put on hold. Should a person be given this much power over our very genes inside us whose research could save lives and cure diseases? A physician, Michael Crichton, who wrote “Patenting Life” and a economist, John Calfee, who wrote “Decoding the Use of Gene Patents” both discuss this medicinal dilemma.
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620 Words | 3 PagesGreen briefly touches on gene therapy that aims to cure diseases in an individual. He also considers the fact that this is therapy is particularly risky and dangerous, he holds strong with his idea that, “if the disease is serious enough […] it is usually worth trying.” (pg. 56). Green then moves onto the second ‘square’ of this chapter-germline gene therapy. Green goes much more deeply into this section, mostly because this subject often
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1791 Words | 8 PagesAside from the authority that results from being published in a peer-reviewed journal, Gert writes in a rather serious and academic tone to prevent the reader from taking his words too lightly. By calling attention to the fact that “we do not know that there are no risks,” Gert’s argument transcends all limitations and fosters a creeping feeling of uncertainty and fear. In some aspects, opting to argue the general possibility of negative side effects of genetic engineering rather than naming specific possibilities enhances his argument as the
Genetic Engineering In Brave New World
1123 Words | 5 Pages“Recently developed techniques for modifying genes are often called “gene editing ("Human Genetic Modification | Center for Genetics and Society").” Genetic modification can be applied in two very different ways: “somatic genetic modification” and “germline genetic modification. Somatic genetic modification adds, cuts, or changes the genes in some of the cells of an existing person, typically to alleviate a medical condition. These gene therapy techniques are approaching clinical practice, but only for a few conditions, and at a very high
Gene Modification Rhetorical Analysis
656 Words | 3 PagesThe issue of modification through gene manipulation becomes increasingly complex when considering how this technology can be used as a means to unethical and harmful uses. In the article, Babies with Genes From 3 people could be Ethical, Panel Says, Rob Stein exposes various concerns about three gene donors in an embryo, including how a scientist, “Could introduce some new disease into the human gene pool or that scientists could try to do this for other reasons-nonmedical reasons, like create designer babies where parents pick the traits of their children.” Stein goes on to explain how the gene replacement procedure would take place, which continues to usher in a plethora of concerns as whether to allow Crispr technology be tested on a embryo.
Human Genetic Modification
1245 Words | 5 PagesHuman genetic modification is the manipulation of genes in human DNA so that defective genes don’t obstruct proper functioning, and so that inherited diseases are not passed on. Those against it may argue that genetic modification is simply unnecessary, immoral, or interferes with nature’s course. However, genetic modification overall is and will continue to be beneficial to the mental and physical health of the entire human species. Falling under the umbrella of biology, it is sensible to consider the studying of genes as a significant aspect of the biological sciences because it’s learning how to manipulate them in order to progress preventative medicine and create the possibility of a healthier future. One method of genetic modification
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1118 Words | 5 PagesThe deliberation of bioethics in human cell and stem cell research has flip-flopped altercations between whether stem cell research corrupts the future or if basic ethical uses in clinical research are being held to its standards. The idea of having genetically altered drugs and cells sits with people the wrong way, and with that they have come to the decision that cell research will cause more problems than it stopping them. However, while a majority of people and scientists believe genetic engineering is an evil corruption of nature’s course, genetic engineering has the greatest potential to do something great for our future, but it is our moralistic responsibility to follow the rules of bioethics. The author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta
Argumentative Essay: The Ethics Of Genetic Patenting
914 Words | 4 PagesBiotechnology has been progressing at a blazingly fast rate since the 1700s, when the first anesthetics were developed. Since then, many technologies have sprung from the void, which have assisted countless doctors around the globe diagnose and treat patients in a safer and more effective manner. An extremely promising division of the field has come in the form of genetic testing, which has applications other than medicine, such as forensics and security. Though genetic technology holds great potential for the future of biomedicine, like any technology, it arrives with its drawbacks, which must be extracted and corrected from its pure form. A primary ethical issue of genetic testing could come in the form of genetic discrimination.
Argumentative Essay On Gene Editing
1104 Words | 5 PagesThe researchers then combine the broken gene with a healthy gene. This new healthy gene is now modified and free from the mutation it had before. Although many individuals’ ethics and morals stand in the way of gene editing, this technology affects society in many different
Gene Therapy Informative Speech
1418 Words | 6 PagesI want you all to imagine a world with no diseases and maybe even no cancer. Seems pretty impossible right? Well, with gene therapy that could all change. B. Background and Audience Relevance: Gene therapy is essentially using genes as drugs for the treatment of human disease. In the future, this experimental technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene into a patient’s cells instead of using medicine or surgery.
Genetic Disorders: The Pros And Cons Of Gene Therapy
677 Words | 3 PagesGene therapy is most commonly described as the ‘changing’ of genes to treat illnesses and other disorders. The science of gene therapy works by attaching a properly functioning gene to a virus, or viral vector, to further be inserted into the cell that is perceived as damaged. One specific virus used is a retrovirus, which, according to those at the Genetics Home Reference, “integrate[s] their genetic material (including the new gene) into a chromosome in the human cell.” The retrovirus then modifies the cell’s genetic makeup, and, if the process is effective, a new functioning protein will be created and replicated throughout time. There is a type of gene therapy research that is called germ-line, this means that the integrated traits can be passed down to offspring through the gametes and, theoretically, to the following generation.
The Pros And Cons Of Gene Therapy
703 Words | 3 PagesGene Therapy is an experimental technique that involves altering genes inside the body in order to treat or prevent disease. Since the understanding of the flow of genetic materials in organisms is established, the cause of disease has been linked to the abnormal expression of genetic information. It is believed that diseases are treatable by correcting such defects; hence gene therapy evolves as an active field of research. The first clinical trial of gene therapy was started at NIH Clinical Center in 1990 (National Institute of Health, 2005-2014). However, it is not until 2012 that Glybera appeared as the first gene therapy to be approved in European Union (EU).
The Pros And Cons Of Gene Therapy
1369 Words | 6 PagesA large number of gene-related diseases have been treated and even cured due to the advances in gene therapy. Within a short period of time, gene therapy has transferred from the conceptual stage of development to clinical trials that actually test patients of deadly diseases. Severe Combined Immune Deficiency is one deadly disease that scientist have began treating with gene therapy. Severe Combined Immune Deficiency, also known as ACA-SCID, is where affected individuals are born without an effective immune system. Investigators in Italy first found a cure or a long-term correction of the deadly genetic disorder.
Persuasive Essay On Genetic Testing
728 Words | 3 PagesThe Human Genome Project was completed within the last twenty years. DNA was discovered by Watson and Crick in 1953, which is only sixty-five years ago. Our culture is discovering new areas of genetics each day; genetic information is growing exponentially. Scientists learned from the Human Genome Project that there are “more than 1,800 disease genes” (NIH Research Timelines). Upon discovering this, many genetic tests have been made available to the general public.
Fear In Scientific Research
1050 Words | 5 PagesMore specifically, talking about biotechnology, cloning, bioethics, and genetic engineering, or AI people ask when it is right to stop technological progress. In fact, we hear of genetic interventions in plants, and men, or robots more and more frequently. These news can scare because of the uncertain consequences. What scientists claim to do is undoubtedly positive and proactive but, unfortunately, the reality in which we find ourselves is often quite different. The common man often does not understand the importance that may have genetic studies and artificial intelligence on our society, as for example, treatment of diseases currently incurable and often lethal or the enormous advantages that robotics can lead to human society.
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