Biomedical engineering is a branch of science that combines engineering and technology and applies both concepts to biological or medical problems. This relatively new scientific field has the potential to usher in a new era of remarkable medical advancements. Conversely, the breakthroughs of this area of study are disadvantaged as many believe that its practices are immoral and unethical. Nevertheless, many positive and negative aspects can be found within this captivating new science.
Biomedical engineering has become a useful tool in the world of medicine. Scientists and engineers are opening new doorways into improving the lives of millions worldwide. An array of patients exhibiting different conditions can benefit from biomedical engineering.
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One of the main negative aspects surrounding this science is the fact that bioengineers are riding the line between advancing medicine and “playing God.” This creates a raging storm of moral and ethical dilemmas. For instance, the synthetic biology involved in creating artificial organs leads some to conclude that scientists are going too far with their endeavors: “Whenever such culturally sanctioned boundaries are breached, researchers are inevitably accused of playing God or treading in Frankenstein’s footsteps” (Van den Belt par.1). Many believe these tasks are not meant to be performed by human hands. Moreover, though man-made organs spark controversy, the most disadvantaged aspect of biomedical engineering comes from the use of embryonic stem cells. The debate emerges due to the fact that “to obtain embryonic stem cells, the early embryo has to be destroyed. This means destroying a potential human life” (“Embryonic stem cell research” par.2). To clarify, this signifies that bioengineers must choose between two moral principles when faced with stem cell research: the duty to use their findings to alleviate the suffering of others or the duty to value even the earliest stages of human life. To reveal a connection, the question of whether bioengineers are playing the role of God can be related to Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. In the novel, Shelley sought to expose the alarming reality of the
Throughout the article, “The Role of Federation Programs in the Transfer of Biomedical Technology” the Associate Director National Library of Medicine presents the valid and relevant discussion on the role federal programs input into the transfer of biomedical technology by going in-depth on the link between the government and economic funding for the research of artificial organs as the pathway for future medical technology. Phillips mentions in the key concepts in presentation to support his argument that federal programs are critical for the advancements and sources possible for conducting more reliable research on artificial organs, by suggesting that the prime contributor to the opportunities posted in disseminating cutting edge research has been the American Society for Internal Organs (ASAIO). Moreover, he makes the note that federal programs have enabled the growth of (ASAIO). The author also issues the claim that in the 21st century there has been a large-scale emergence of the molecular century as was adhered by President Bush who signed the 21st Century Nanotech Research and Development Act in 2004 that committed $3.7 billion to nanotechnology research. Additionally, cost effectiveness in comparison to conventional therapy, demonstrates a higher viability of artificial organs in the long run is
Embryonic stem cell research is important for further development in the medical field. It strongly supports the idea that every life has value, an idea known as human dignity. Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and thus, are all equal. The idea of radical equality before God leads us to think no less of someone regardless of their physical appearance, religious beliefs, cultural background, or anything else. It is through virtues such as charity, mercy, and justice that our human dignity is preserved. By living through these virtues and realizing how to effectively instill them within us, we are able to live a virtuous life. This paper argues that although issues involving embryonic stem cell research are controversial, research in this area is typically permissible for further development in the medical field when looking to preserve human dignity. In order to defend this thesis, this paper will be structured into three sections as followed: the description of embryonic stem cell research, the development of a moral lens, and the moral argument and analysis of this case.
The potential of Stem Cells have great usage ;however the possibility of the ability for stem cells to create cancer is to much of a risk for any society performing the research due to the unsurity of humanity. In contrast Victor Frankenstein creates a monster in which he stitches together and he does not completely understand his creations instability. The inability to control science and the unknown is integrated in Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein. Mary Shelley’s perception of technology is without understanding science; technology can be misused for purposes that were not intended for its use.
The book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is arguably one of the most well known books ever written. What many people don't realize is with modern technology humans might not be far from creating artificial life. Through research involving STEM cells and “designer babies” we are near the point of creating parts of the human body. The problem is, seemingly immutable laws have restricted scientists abilities to study STEM cells. The unremitting battle between the two sides is what holds this country back from reaching its full health potential.
Organ donation provided a new therapeutic path when new drugs and devices failed to reduce the mortality and morbidity rate of patients with such illnesses as cardiovascular diseases. By replacing damaged organs or tissue with a functioning substitute, organ transplantation offers an immediate cure. Unfortunately, this “cure” is never guaranteed because of the high risk of graft rejection and that’s if a suitable donor can be found. Thus, tissue engineering has been the projected new treatment for these problems. Tissue engineering replaces the diseased or damaged tissue or organs with biofabricated counterparts made using the specifications dictated by the features of the specific tissue or organ.
Human genetic engineering is one of the newest scientific breakthroughs allowing DNA that is considered “bad” to be replaced using CRISPR. Due to this new technology discovered, many scientists around the world have agreed on banning the practice of humans and embryos, after China first was able to partially succeed in using CRISPR on embryos. The topic of human engineering is very controversial on ethics but also the benefits of the outcome on human genetic engineering and the fast pace that it is going in. Mary Shelley explains in Frankenstein that scientific progress is advancing faster than the human knowledge of science and shows this when Victor creates the creation and how he deals with the creation afterwards. Scientists are careful about transgressing ethical boundaries in the name of progress so that humans should
Over two centuries ago, Mary Shelley created a gruesome tale of the horrific ramifications that result when man over steps his bounds and manipulates nature. In her classic tale, Frankenstein, Shelley weaves together the terrifying implications of a young scientist playing God and creating life, only to be haunted for the duration of his life by the monster of his own sordid creation. Reading Shelley in the context of present technologically advanced times, her tale of monstrous creation provides a very gruesome caution. For today, it is not merely a human being the sciences are lusting blindly to bring to life, as was the deranged quest of Victor Frankenstein, but rather to
Modern science has dramatically evolved over the past years, there is a concern on whether or not people will try to play God with such developments and what damaging consequences could occur. Body modifications, cloning, Genetic engineering, and various fields in biotechnology are prime examples of fields that are attaining great advancements in a swift manner that increase concerns over the consequences. Progress in science induces people to question what it means to be a human and their own human nature, just as it causes people to question the effects that scientific progress may have on their good fortune, happiness or common welfare.The protagonist of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is incited to advance the field of
Embryonic stem cells research has challenged the moral ethics within human beings simply because the point at which one is considered a “human,” is still under debate and practically incapable to make a decision upon.
As today’s technology is changing, some of the most major effects of it are superior advances in the medical field. One advance in the medical field is tissue engineering. It is being developed for use in regenerative medicine and soon to be in wider use for other treatments. Tissue engineering’s goal for the future is for the medicine to be able to stimulate other cells around the damage area of the body to get them to grow and produce living tissue (Sciencedaily). Another medical advancement is the monitoring systems and how hospitals can better track for problems and signs of an emergency. This can also help the surgeons decide how to stitch up a patient for best recovery time (Sciencedaily). As technology keeps progressing, another medical advancement is the way surgeons are doing operations. Today, for complex surgeries, surgeons now will get help from the use of a robot for accurate procedures; this will help with the size of the incision and keep the recovery time shorter than during standard surgery.
Can science go too far when it equips man with tools to manipulate life? Some of the underlying ethical dilemmas presented in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein are similar to ones we struggle with today, such as selective abortion. Shelley’s doomed creature mirrors the devastating result of bringing an unwanted offspring into the world, then shirking responsibility for it thereafter. The practice of playing God and choosing who does and who does not “earn” life ultimately results in profound negative moral consequences.
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a new being was artificially created using the parts of others. That topic thus examines the ethics of "playing God" and, though written in 1818, it is still a relevant issue today. Genetic engineering and cryogenic freezing are two current technologies related to the theme in the novel of science transcending the limits of what humans can and should do.
The actual bioresorbable segment is in the Market development stage. Surgeons who have a large say in purchasing power of the products still need a great deal more information and trial before Although other companies have introduced first and second generation bioresorbables to strengthen market niche. Synthes’ participation in these efforts was minimal, as they focused primarily on improving their standard devices, staying away from the newer bioresorbable craze. First and Second Bioresorbables did not accelerate in sales as originally planned.
In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley is trying to convey the message that science and technology can be dangerous in the wrong hands. She affirms this idea through the character of Victor, a cautionary tale, but dispels the idea that all pursuit of knowledge is bad through more traditionally romantic characters such as Henry Clerval. Shelley is complicit in her understanding that curiosity and experimentation are unbreakably tied to the human condition, and tries to warn the world of the evil that can come from this. However, the effects of the interpretation of this book can vary: it is an exemplary cautionary tale, and a much needed reminder of ethics in an increasingly technology-dependent world, but one could easily take these warnings too far and use her novel as a means to quell innovation or incite censorship. In a world of technology that would be unbelievable to Shelley, her work still remains relevant, notably in the field of genetic engineering. Frankenstein raises important questions about ethics, responsibility and censorship, and is applicable to modern technological issues such as genetic engineering.
For me, the excitement of the field is that biomedical engineering has only recently become its own discipline, and yet allows the professional to truly embrace a multidisciplinary approach to develop devices that have the potential of helping millions of people live a better life. From tissue and genetic engineering to pharmaceutical and neural options, as well as working with medical devices, the field is wide open for new minds, new ideas, and new applications. The field is growing so rapidly that one can hardly keep up. As it seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine, and as technology improves, the field will become the wave of the next generation of research one in which I wish to be a part of. The sustainability and intellectual robustness of biomedical engineering is one of the ways that I can pursue my own