Title: Is New Zealand ready for Gene Editing?
Subtitle: And should we be modifying the human genome?
Thesis: Is it ethical to edit the human genome?
A new world of possibilities for genetic engineers has opened up in the last few years. With a new batch of tools at their disposal, geneticists can now edit genes for a fraction of the cost. These new tools are easier to use and have improved accuracy. What was once only science fiction, could now be a reality. Of these new tools CRISPR (see glossary) is the most famous, but others include ZFN and TALEN. Each of these tools can be targeted to find a specific DNA sequence and make a cut at that point. Instructions can be included on how to repair this cut, allowing geneticist to inject their own
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Plants natural ability to fight diseases could be enhanced, reducing our current reliance on chemical protection for edible crops. Of the 3,000 known human genetic disorders, many of these genetic errors could be corrected, allowing sufferers to live a normal life. When your doctor diagnoses you with a disease, a customized cure based on your DNA could be created. But wait, that is not all. Designer babies are now a technical possibility, not only correcting inherited genetic errors but also improving on the original design. Therefor, the next generation could be smarter, stronger, and with perfect vision. With so many possibilities, the question naturally arises; just because we can do all these things, should …show more content…
This gene therapy modifies the PCSK9 gene. From studying people with this mutation, they show no other deleterious effects from the mutation. However, this is not the only possible risk. With any gene therapy, there is the risk of off-target gene edits. This is you are deliberately trying to edit a specific gene sequence, but you inadvertently end up editing other genes besides your target gene. In this particular therapy, the risks appear to be low. But as every person's DNA is unique, the risk is not zero.
Conclusion: Some uses of Gene editing will always be unethical and should be restricted. Other uses of gene editing are only unethical because of our lack of knowledge. In a few cases, we are already confident that the potential good we can do, would out weight the potential risks.
In spite of the many questions still to be answered, we need to fight our natural response to retreat from the unknown, but rather strive to understand. To think deeply about the ethical implications of these new tools. Always aware that, these are powerful tools, capable of improving the lives of many. But also of unleashing unforeseen consequences if not used with
Despite being magical of gene therapy, it is high-risk. Few people got benefits from it, and it has a low rate of success. Prior to the human trial, Batshaw and Wilson had done experiment on animals to ensure the safety. Over 20 experiments have been done on mice but only 12 of them survived at last (Sophia, M. and Kolehmainen, J.D., 2000). More seriously, complicating diseases, which can be more dangerous than genetic diseases, might set in during the treatment period. In December 200...
Science and technology are rapidly advancing everyday; in some ways for the better, and in some, for worse. One extremely controversial advance is genetic engineering. As this technology has high potential to do great things, I believe the power genetic engineering is growing out of control. Although society wants to see this concept used to fight disease and illness, enhance people 's lives, and make agriculture more sustainable, there needs to be a point where a line is drawn.
In the past 40 years, scientists have developed and applied genetic engineering to alter the genetic make-up of organisms by manipulating their DNA. Scientists can use restriction enzymes to slice up a piece of DNA from an organism with the characteristics they want and spliced (joint) to a DNA from another organism. DNA that contains pieces from different species is called recombinant DNA, and it now has different genetic material from its original. When this DNA inserted back into the organism, it changes the organism’s trait. This technique is known as gene-splicing (Farndon 19).
Gene therapy focuses on the replacement of defective genes with modified functioning genes. Many diseases are caused by a defective gene meaning the body is incapable of producing essential proteins or enzymes. In its simplest form, gene therapy aims to identify the defective gene and fix this gene with the replacement of a normal gene (Senn).
General dangers of the techniques of gene therapy are a large concern. One problem is that the new gene may be inserted in the wrong location in the DNA. Experiments with rats showed this could cause cancer or other damage. In addition, when DNA is directly injected into a tumor there is a chance that the DNA could be introduced by mistake into reproductive cells, producing changes in offspring. The consequences of this are discussed in more detail later on. Another disturbing thing to think about when pondering the safety of gene therapy is the fact that once gene therapy has taken effect it cannot be stopped and is irreversible. It is not like drugs, the genes cannot be stopped from multiplying.
From the perspective of some activists against gene therapy, they feel as though if it were to be used in a way to enhance one's own abilities. It could possibly have a destructive outcome especially if applied to an unborn/newborn child. These activists believe that if possessed in the wrong hands it may cause ethical issues such as altering a child's basic height, weight so forth. This type of treatment is called germline therapy, however the Government does not allow the research to be funded, so it is all only theory as it has not occured yet. But in factuality the cells that are implanted inside a patient's body may cause dozens of issues, as shown in the statement “Several studies have already shown that this approach can have very serious health risks, such as toxicity, inflammation, and cancer.” (GHR) With these issues it will cause even more problems, especially if someone is being treated for cancer. If they were to either retain the cancer or develop a new possibly worse type of cancer it will affect not only the patient but it will also halt the research of gene therapy which in turn will slow down the process for finding a safe
Genetic Engineering is the deliberate alteration of an organism's genetic information (Lee 1). The outcome scientists refer to as successful entitles the living thing’s ability to produce new substances or perform new functions (Lee 1). In the early 1970’s, direct manipulation of the genetic material deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) became possible and led to the rapid advancement of modern biotechnology (Lee 1).
Throughout history, human beings have struggled to achieve control over nature. Now, in the twentieth century, with all of the scientific advances in computers and medicine, humans have come closer than ever to reaching this ultimate goal. However, along with the benefits of these new and rapidly increasing scientific advancements come moral, ethical and social issues that need to be given consideration. The Computer Revolution has not only vastly improved communication and produced amazing amounts of information, but has raised questions of human rights, privacy and social implications. While medical research has achieved medical benefits not even conceivable in the past, it has also raised major ethical and moral issues. Humans must consider all of these things when making decisions or judgments about human control over nature.
... and ignore our limitations rather than focus on them since we are already limited by our ways of knowledge. On the contrary, my proposed ideas highlight the importance of identifying one’s limitations and attempting to make up for them by using a variety of tools to solve a specific problem rather relying on one tool only.
Hey! It’s me, Christopher, streaming live from The Guardian! I know, I know; it’s already January 15, so I’m sure you’re wondering what today’s tantalizing topic is. Well, today I’m going to be informing you about Gene Editing-Rewriting the Code of Life. So let’s start with some basic background information. Each and every one of our bodies is made up of a chemical called DNA; simply it is the coding telling us to how to grow, live, and function. A gene is a small section of a DNA strand and these are what are inherited from your parents to determine your appearance. They are our body’s ‘biological templates’ to create proteins and enzymes to construct tissues and organs. Get this: humans have around 24,000 genes in them! Unfortunately, some
One of the biggest concerns involved in gene therapy in humans is the lack of knowledge and the possibility for consequences later on or i...
Editing human DNA ( Deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. (Wikipedia 1) has always been a widely controversial topic. Some believe it's wrong, while others believe it could be very beneficial to the future of curing diseases and having healthy children. I believe personally that this is not something to tamper with. Here are some reasons why.
More than a decade after scientists have unraveled the human genome, there are attempts now by scientists across the globe to re-write it. Gene editing technologies have provided inexpensive ways to edit, delete, insert and modify genes in human cells. Correcting genetic defects sounds intriguing but people do worry about the extent of the possibilities. Some people are of the opinion that gene editing in embryos could benefit immensely as it would be able to eradicate terrible and life threatening genetic diseases even before the baby is born. Sounds good, doesn’t it? -
What are the risks and what are the possible benefits? Currently, gene therapy is one of the only ways to change the genetic makeup of an animal or human. Also, the chance of gene therapy being successful in animals is fifty percent, while in humans it is five percent. Human Genetics Alert believes “Once we begin to consciously design ourselves, we will have entered a completely new era of human history, in which human subjects, rather than being accepted as they are, will become just another kind of object, shaped according to parental whims and market forces”. HGA provides background information on the currently available resources used in Genetic Engineering.
Thesis Statement: Scientist today could potentially prevent a multitude of diseases through genetic engineering; however, any alterations beyond the medicinal scope would be unethical. Outline: Introduction: Determining whether human modification through genetic engineering is ethical. History/Background: For some time, scientists have explored the possibilities of correcting and/or eliminating genetic diseases by modifying the human genetic makeup via genetic engineering.