Genetically Altering Our Future Essay

The second reason genetic engineering is unethical and should be stopped is due to the fact that it involves reconstructing nature, which is not the job of society. Genetic engineering could potentially breed new animal and plant diseases, new sources of cancer, novel epidemics and other serious problems in which nature cannot conquer (Epstein 4). Many scientists argue that genetic engineering has a positive outcome, and occurrences such as diseases or other casualties in nature’s balance should be ignored (Bereano 18). Co-discoverer of the DNA code and Nobel Laureate, Dr. James D. Watson, has continuously disregarded the risks of genetic engineering (Bereano 19). In 1979, he wrote the following about possible diseases that might be inadvertently created through genetic engineering: “I would not spend a penny trying to see if they exist'; (Bereano 19). The above statement clearly shows that society cannot depend on the “high priests'; of science to make ethical decisions (Bereano 18). Too much is at stake.

Although the intentions of genetically modifying DNA in human embryos is aimed to rid society of genetic defects, it is still essential that this scientific discovery remains ethical. In an article on NPR.org, Rob Stein describes an experiment that scientists have been conducting in which they modify human DNA in order to eliminate life threatening genetic diseases that could be passed on for generations (Stein). In Portland, at Oregon Health & Science University, Paula Amato, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, explains “that their work is aimed at preventing terrible diseases, not creating genetically enhanced people...much more research is needed to confirm the technique is safe and effective before anyone tries to make a baby this way”(Stein). Because scientists like Amato realize their research is controversial, they are taking every precaution to assure what they are doing is morally correct, they are not intending to corrupt society. Although their intentions are good, it is their job to make sure their research is being used in an ethical way. If not, millions of people, who are already obsessed with the idea of perfection, will be able to do something about

In it’s initial chapters, this book pay close attention to the medicine and science behind human genome modification. This sets the foundation for the ethical and religious concerns that are discussed later in the book regarding the issue. The idea of altering the genome for the purpose of human enhancements is also addressed in the book. The author concludes by offering a list of regulatory options.

Fast forwards two hundred years and the science (or lack thereof) depicted is almost indistinguishable, a revolutionary new process called CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is allowing science to edit the human genome almost at will. With the announcement of US scientists creating the first genetically modified embryo, an outburst of ethical debate has arisen. While they are certainly not the first (a Chinese division won the achievement in 2015), this achievement was created through the CRISPR process.

“Advances in genetic science could change the basic nature of human beings by allowing people to alter their genetic makeup or the genetic makeup of their children” (Kahn). Since editing human genes is an extremely controversial topic with great consequences, laws concerning gene editing vary worldwide. In the United States there is no ban on gene editing, however, the government cannot fund embryo modification. Altering human genes is wrong because it could lead to societal problems, create new genetic diseases, and it is immoral.

While saving lives is an attractive prospect, several ethical objections have been raised. Firstly, it may be wrong to make major changes to human DNA at all, as it alters the innate nature of humanity. Secondly, the technology has the potential to be used for other, controversial purposes, such as manufacturing humans or enhancing traits. These ethical concerns must be weighed against the benefits of developing this

"It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" --- From a Song by REM

Technology is ever evolving, but developing in not always the most ethical of ways, though. Due to gene editing, many peoples’ eyes have been opened to these unethical forms of treatment with the creation of methods to select your child’s gender, the riding of offspring’s genetically linked diseases, and the manipulation of the human DNA of the unborn embryo.

In today’s modern age science is moving at a rapid pace; one of those scientific fields that has taken the largest leaps is that of genetics. When genetics first comes to mind, many of us think of it as a type of science fiction, or a mystical dream. Yet genetics is here, it is real, and has numerous ethical implications.

Genetically modifying the human genome is a topic that has been discussed for several decades, but just recently it is becoming a reality. Through many advancements of technology, the CRISPR method has emerged, and it is providing the opportunity for genetically modifying the human genome to take off. However, allowing the use of the CRISPR method is not just a black and white decision. Modifying the human genome is a hot debate in the science and medical fields todays. Arguments in support of modifying the human genome including the following; offers the opportunity to cure genetic diseases, improves the value of life, it is similar to any other intrusive medical therapy, and it provides beneficence. Nevertheless, although we have this type of technology at our fingertips, there are many concerns with editing the human genome. Some of the concerns include the following; the potential safety issues, the unknown consequences that may evolve from a procedure of this kind, sacrificing human dignity, and finally nonmaleficence. There are arguments in support of modifying the human genome to cure genetic diseases, and there are arguments in opposition of modifying the human genome to cure genetic diseases because of the ethicality of the procedure.

As humans move into the modern age, new thoughts and ideas are being produced into action. One particular controversial idea is the editing of genes and stem cell research on human embryos. Many scientists have decided that it is completely unethical to even approach the subject of it, but there are a few scientists who have decided that they want to work on this. The government has decided that it is unethical and therefore has cut all funding to labs, but there are some wealthy people who have decided to pay scientists, out of pocket, for them to start experiment’s on this idea. The time is coming for the decision to be made on whether we should look into gene editing and stem cell research in humans as a medical miracle or a potential disaster.

Since Gregor Mendel began his experiments with pea plants in the mid 19th century, the field of genetics has grown vastly. Now known as the father of genetics, Mendel was the first one to study heritable traits. Since then, we’ve gone on to discover the structure of DNA, sequencing the entire human genome, studying genetic diseases, discovering mitochondrial DNA, and currently diving into a new field of genetics, called epigenetics, which looks at how the outside environment can affect how a person’s genes are expressed. But as we learn more and more about the microscopic molecules that make us who we are, we begin to step into controversial territory concerning human ethics. Lately, scientists

With the dawn of modern genetic technology, new problems and possibilities arise. The ability to modify the genes of living organisms is a very controversial subject, spawning many debates about its uses, ethics, and dangers. On one hand, the possibility of modifying livestock and plants to produce more food and useful products is tempting. Medical uses for genetic modification are also abundant, and can change medicine for the better. On the other hand, problems about the ethicality of tampering with the natural world, legal rights on genetically altered organisms, and various possible negative effects on the environment bring up the question: Is it worth the risk to use this technology?

The main dilemmas faced are if genetic engineering experimenting on animals or even humans is morally acceptable in modern day circles. Many people are unsure if experimenting is acceptable, due to long term effects and possibly death. Mutations and permanent damage are very real consequences in this field of science, yet the progress that could be made could potentially save hundreds if not thousands stricken with hereditary illnesses (Bernard 3). People want these cures but aren’t willing to push forward and remain close minded.But when you imagine the treatments

After years of work, Dr. Smith, has successfully edited the human genome. Shortly after, he began to marvel at the possibilities he unlocked, but also begged the question of the possible consequences he created from this achievement which would affect the impending future. He worried as to how the public would react to his life work. The growing potential of gene editing is sweeping the US, filled with both overwhelming hope as well as fear. This is a bridge which must be crossed to achieve trust within the biomedical community. To ensure the people this can bring great change without the unethical byproducts which could come with gene editing. Much of the American public is divided with the relatively new science of genetic engineering due to concerning ethical issues, but would benefit in many ways from its implementation into society.