Human genetic engineering can provide humanity with the capability to construct “designer babies” as well as cure multiple hereditary diseases. This can be accomplished by changing a human’s genotype to produce a desired phenotype. The outcome could cure both birth defects and hereditary diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Human genetic engineering can also allow mankind to permanently remove a mutated gene through embryo screening as well as allow parents to choose the desired traits for their children. Negative outcomes of this technology may include the transmission of harmful diseases and the production of genetic mutations. The benefits of human genetic engineering outweigh the risks by providing mankind with cures to multiple deadly diseases. Human genetic engineering has the capability to transmit usually fatal diseases. Although transmission is highly unlikely, it is one of the risk factors scientists have taken into great consideration. If animal cells or organs are transplanted into humans, zoonotic diseases may be spread. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses, and Nipah Encephalitis are all potentially fatal zoonotic diseases that could be transferred (Glenn). According to Linda MacDonald Glenn, J.D., L.L.M., “The introduction of these diseases to the human population could have devastating consequences” (Glenn). Human genetic engineering may also cause the production of unwanted mutations such as developmental issues. The procedures that would be used for genetically modifying human cells would include numerous alterations to sperm, eggs, stem cells, or embryos before entering a woman’s uterus. This could potentially modify the growth and development of the fetus in ways that have not yet b... ... middle of paper ... ...risten S., Steven A. Rosenberg, and Richard A. Morgan. "Treating Cancer with Genetically Engineered T Cells." National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed Central (PMC), 12 June 2011. Web. 04 Dec. 2013. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21663987 Pray, Leslie A., Ph.D. “Embryo Screening and the Ethics of Human Genetic Engineering.” Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 2008. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/embryo-screening-and-the-ethics-of-human- 60561 Seck, Chris. "Arguing For and Against Genetic Engineering." The Stanford Review RSS. N.p., 08 June 2007. Web. 04 Dec. 2013. http://stanfordreview.org/article/arguing-and-against- genetic-engineering/
SUMMARY: Director of the Ethics Institute, Ronald M. Green, in his article “Building Baby from the Genes Up” discusses why he thinks that genetically modifying babies genes is more beneficial than destructive. He begins his article off by mentioning a story of a couple who wishe to genetically modify their baby so that they could make sure the baby would not develop the long family line of breast cancer. Green then notifies the reader that no matter where they stand on the matter, genetically modifying babies is going to become more and more popular. Even the National Institute of Health is beginning to invest in technology that can be used to genetically modify human genes. He then explains how genetically modifying human genes can be beneficial,
If you could ensure that your future children would be healthy, would you? This is a trivial question because most parents would stop at nothing to ensure that their children are healthy. Human germ-line engineering may soon make it possible to alter the genome of human embryos—permanently changing the genetic blueprint for every cell in an embryo’s body. Through human germ-line technology we could eradicate many debilitating genetic diseases (e.g. Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis etc.), prevent cancer, and even increase the average life span. Human germ-line engineering is prenatal and produces genetically modified traits that can be passed along to subsequent generations—so the resulting genetic alterations are permanent. The utilization of human germ-line engineering technology, however, is analogous to Pandora’s Box. As attractive as it may seem, opening Pandora’s Box and unleashing human germ-line engineering technology could have severe consequences including negative medical or economic ramifications and a potential amplification of social and economic stratification. In this paper I will present views on the consequences and possible regulation of human germ-line engineering. I propose that the risks of human germ-line engineering technology outweigh the potential benefits and therefore this technology needs to be banned.
Many people often ask, “Is it acceptable for human beings to manipulate human genes” (Moral and Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy). Most of the ethical issues centralize on the Christian understanding of a human being. They believe God made them the way they are and people should accept their fate.The Society, Religion and Technology Project have researched and found that countless people are curious if gene therapy is the right thing to do. They have a problem with exploiting the genes a person is born with due to the fact they consider it to be “playing God” (Moral and Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy). They are also concerned with the safety. On account of the unfamiliar and inexperienced technology. Gene therapy has only been around since 1990, so scientists are still trying to find the best possible way to help cure these diseases. Multiple scientists are cautious with whom they share their research. For the reason that if it were to get into in the wrong hands it could conceivably start a superhuman race. Author Paul Recer presumes using germline engineering to cure fatal diseases or even to generate designer babies that will be stronger, smarter, or more immune to infections (Gene Therapy Creates Super-Muscles). Scientists could enhance height, athleticism and even intelligence. The possibilities are endless. Germline engineering, however, would alter every cell in the body. People would no longer have to worry about the alarming and intimidating combinations of their parents’ genes. Genetic engineers are able to eliminate unnatural genes, change existing ones or even add a few extra. Like it or not, in a few short years scientists will have the power to control the evolution of
Human genetic engineering (HGE), a prevalent topic for scientists in research, is the process of manipulating genes in the human genome. Potentially, scientists can use the process of HGE to alter many biological and psychological human traits by gene modification. Currently, however, there is a large deficiency in information regarding HGE and its effects to the human body; creating a need for scientists to conduct more research and tests. Because of the many unknowns involving HGE it is necessary for policy makers to regulate HGE for the use by scientists. The first part of this paper will provide an overview of what HGE is and the processes involved with the technology of HGE. This paper will then analyze the potential risks associated with HGE, which include: safety risks and a potential threat to genetic diversity causing a decrease to the human life span. Furthermore, it will argue that these risks are directly linked to the use of HGE for individual benefit. Counter to these claims this paper will also consider the benefits of HGE, which are connected to the use of HGE for the benefit of the collective. The potential benefits include: the manipulation of genes to treat or cure diseases, and the potential increase to the human population life span through an increase in genetic diversity. The last part of the paper will assess the future of HGE and suggest that more research is needed to increase the knowledge of the possibilities of HGE, as well as the types of policies that should be put in effect by policy makers to control the use of HGE. All of these claims will use the support of two reference articles, the first written by Russell Powell, Guy Kahane and Julian Savulescu and the second written by Chris Gyngell. Powell ...
Even after thousands of years of evolution, the human race is not perfect: it is ravaged by disease and limited by nature. Yet, in recent times, researchers have begun to ascertain an advanced understanding of the underlying genetic code of humanity. The Human Genome Project, now complete, has provided a map of the intricacies in human DNA, allowing researchers to begin looking at the purpose of each gene. When combined with selective embryo implantation, which is used occasionally today to avoid hereditary diseases or to choose gender, genetic discoveries can become a sort of artificial evolution. By changing the genes in embryos before implantation, humanity has the potential to control many aspects of its offspring. The human race should welcome human genetic engineering, because the technology will inevitably be used, is ethically sound, and provides opportunity for advancement in prevention of disease and enhancement of the human body.
Genetic engineering is the alteration of a living, breathing organism that changes its DNA by replacing it with new, healthy DNA segments. Catalano defines a designer baby as “a baby whose genetic make-up has been selected in order to eradicate a particular defect, or to ensure that a particular gene is present” (1). The term “designer babies” is actually coined from journalist and commentators when referring to various reproductive technologies. This term is never actually used by scientists (Baird). In his article, Catalano predicts that with technology advancing at such a rapid pace, that one day designer babies will soon be a reality. Even though genetically engineering humans is frowned upon by most of society, it has the potential to become commonplace in the near future. Similar procedures that alter the genes of a fetus exist today but are less intrusive include the preimplantation genetic diagnosis and the nuclear transfer. The Human Genome Project will help scientists learn how to genetically engineer humans
Genes are, basically, the blueprints of our body which are passed down from generation to generation. Through the exploration of these inherited materials, scientists have ventured into the recent, and rather controversial, field of genetic engineering. It is described as the "artificial modification of the genetic code of a living organism", and involves the "manipulation and alteration of inborn characteristics" by humans (Lanza). Like many other issues, genetic engineering has sparked a heated debate. Some people believe that it has the potential to become the new "miracle tool" of medicine. To others, this new technology borders on the realm of immorality, and is an omen of the danger to come, and are firmly convinced that this human intervention into nature is unethical, and will bring about the destruction of mankind (Lanza).
Human gene-splicing is the alteration of genetic material, as science is rising to create the planet to be a “better” place. Technological advancements have allowed us to clone several animals however, it’s time to take the next step. The next step is human engineering, scientist always find the way to succeed. Scientists are ready to create the accurate humans, stronger, faster, smarter, with no defect. With science moving quicker than ethical understanding, values, morals, and our humanity are thrown at the table, not knowing if we are going to be torn apart our live peacefully in a successful world. First of all, the most goal of human engineering is to be ready to wipe out the planet of every kind of diseases. As long as the world is able to accept in mind, humans are full of several diseases that have an effect on our mind and bodies. That’s when human engineering comes into play, having the ability to stop diseases like CF, TaySachs, and Huntington's to heart condition, diabetes, and cancer from ever happening. Genetic involvement is seen as some way to assist those World Health Organization are in want. Bringing that person back to traditional state of being so that they don’t need to put up the issues that accompany being sick. No pills will need to be taken, not a lot of going into treatments, or any kind of surgery since nobody within the world can have an illness or any reasonably limitation to their health. Scientists can invariably wish to seek out some way to try and do things higher to “fix” things.
Genetic Engineering in humans is a highly controversial topic of discussion. The possibilities that it offers to new medical worlds is groundbreaking, but what are the risks? This is a frequently asked question, presenting valid arguments from both perspectives. Like many Biological predicaments, ethical issues tend to clash with that of unseen medical possibilities, resulting in debates and discussions continuously unfolding on the controversial issue.
It was not that long ago that there was an age of no internet or computers. Life around the world has changed dramatically in the past thirty years. Technology has advanced at faster rate than ever before. We now know about many new things including humans including our DNA. It seems as though, the more we learn about the make up of our bodies, the more we are learning how to manipulate them. Do we want to let science take over our natural way of life? Russell Powell of the Journal of Medicine & Philosophy agrees that there is a common worry that humans could be harmed by genetic engineering of humans. The problem, Powell says, could potentially lead to the extinction of human life. By reducing human genetic diversity, we could end up with a biological monoculture that may increase our susceptibility to deadly diseases.
Human genetic modification is the process through which medical personnel and scientist alter the genetic makeup or the DNA of a person (Clapper 1). This modification is achieved either through the addition of some genes or removal of others. The addition of genes is achieved through a carrier which can be a virus. The addition can either be to the somatic cells or to the germ cells. In somatic cells, added genes alter the genetic makeup of the body while in germ cells, alteration is to the reproductive cells. Genetic modifications have been widely exercised in plants. However, the exercise is limited in humans due to ethical issues. With genetic modification, the evolution of new beings that are stronger and disease-free can be enhanced. However, one concern surrounding the practice is that it would upset the balance of life. Genetic modification should not be carried out, as it violates the ethics of humans.
With all factors put into place the potential benefits of perfecting human genetic engineering far outweigh the negatives. A world with genetic engineering is a world that would be advantageous to all who undergo the procedure to positively modify their DNA. A genetically engineered human race will be able to have defeated all genetic mutations and diseases, rid humans of possible illnesses in young and unborn children, create drastically longer lifespans, and provide generations with a high quality of life. Human genetic engineering has progressed more rapidly than projected; according to Stephen Hawking, when human genetic engineering is consummated he hypothesizes, “With genetic engineering, we will be able to increase the complexity of our DNA, and improve the human race. But it will be a slow process, because one will have to wait about 18 years to see the effect of changes to the genetic code.”(Hawking). The advancements that genetic engineering will provide for the human race is incredible and we will soon benefit from science and technology more than ever
The Safety of genetic engineering is something that presents much concern. Looking at the current precautions and previous precautions of the biotechnological industry can clear up the safety issue. The FDA and State Governments impose limits such as the illegalization of human cloning and limits on other genetic engineering processes. The only legal forms of genetic engineering that are used today are in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and sperm banks.
Moore's law, the statement that technologies will double every two years is a very thought-provoking inception for technologist and scientist (Moore's Law par.1). Numerous people are thrilled about this commandment while others are petrified. Why an individual might be troubled by technology one might inquire. Well there are many arguments that claim that technology is contrary to itself, nature, and humans. The unpretentious fact is technology is cohesive within the humanoid existence and will linger as time travels on.
Genetic engineering seems decades away, but through modern technology, it has recently entered the human realm. Some believe genetic engineering will bring forth great advancements in the human brain and body, but instead some believe one mistake creates a world where every child will be genetically engineered just to keep up with the rest of society. Many times, the media plays a very strong role in the image of this issue, and masks the true identity of this social injustice. However, what forms of genetic engineering can be done in humans today? What is in store for the future? What are the risks and what could be the possible benefits? Currently gene therapy is one of the only ways to change the genetic makeup of an animal or human. Also,