The episode, Cracking the Genetic Code from the television series NOVA investigates the implications of being able to sequence an individual’s genetic code. Doctors and researcher explore personalized, gene based medicine. It discusses how knowledge of gene sequencing can be used to help patients suffering from serious diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, and discusses how gene sequencing technology causes serious ethical concerns about privacy and discrimination.
The material covered in this PBS special related to our class because we have discussed the Human Genome Project, the structure of DNA, and how genetic mutations work. The Human Genome Project was an international research project that sequences all of the genes in humans. DNA
Genetic testing is a medical test of one’s DNA that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition which can help determine an individual's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. In addition, knowing one’s genetic code can help individuals improve their wellness, prevent the onset of diseases they are at risk for, or lessen the harmfulness of diseases they do contract. NOVA’s documentary on PBS, “Cracking Your Genetic Code” demonstrates what exactly genetic testing is, how genetic testing is performed, and in addition the film showed stories about some individuals that have benefited from these special DNA techniques. The film plot focuses
The Gene Hackers published by the New Yorker’s Michael Specter talks about a breakthrough technology that could allow for the creation of genetically modified humans- “humans 2.0” as he calls it. This new technology could also be the cure for many genetic disorders like Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s etc. as it would allow scientist the ease of genetically identifying and editing specific genes responsible for these genetic abnormalities. This exciting new technology will be known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats associated protein 9 or CRISPR-Cas 9 for short.
Genetics is a field of science that has long been studied, but researchers and scientists have discovered a new branch that changes the way genetics and evolution has been looked at before. Deepak Chopra and Rudolph E. Tanzi skillfully describe this new subject in their book Super Genes. The book includes information on the history and discoveries of epigenetics, the changes the readers can make to unlock and harness the power of their genes, and the research and experiments that prove the benefits of those changes. Ultimately, the purpose of Super Genes is to inform the readers that they can control their own genes, despite preceding understandings of biological destinies, by making favorable lifestyle choices that leans towards the state of optimum health and well being.
The DNA Mystique looks into the power of the gene in today’s society. Dorothy Nelkin and Susan Lindee (1995) describe the evolution of the gene as a cultural icon. Society puts a huge emphasis on understanding everyday behavior and the “secret of life” through genetic essentialism. According to Nelkin and Lindee genetic essentialism “reduces the self to a molecular entity, equating human beings, in all their social, historical, and moral complexity, with their genes” (p. 337). DNA is used as a way to define the individual’s true self and understand the evolution of a person’s identity. Nelkin and Lindee discuss the intersection of science and popular culture to shape the cultural meaning of the gene (p. 338). They lay out a timeline of genetic mapping and the use of genome research to determine future outcomes.
Genetic code is a set of rules that are stored in our DNA these codes are translated into protiens by Genetic expression. What Genetic expression does is it takes the stored information in the gentic code and and makes it into protiens and other molecules. The way the stored information is expressed determines what kind of animal it will be or whether a person will be short or tall have brown or blue eyes.So the relationship between the two would be the Genetic code is the cause and the genetic expression is the effect.
Dr. Waston and his students are trying to motive the human genome to work on altering the genetic code which to help those who having genetic based problems. Is this a good ideas? Yes, it could be a good and idea becasue none want to look stupid infront of ther people. Everyone want to be stand at the same level at other, but at the same time it is also pifall too. Because if everyone smart, what is going to happen in the environment.
The genetic technology revolution has proved to be both a blessing and a blight. The Human Genome Project is aimed at mapping and sequencing the entire human genome. DNA chips are loaded with information about human genes. The chip reveals specific information about the individuals’ health and genetic makeup (Richmond & Germov 2009).The technology has been described as a milestone by many in that it facilitates research, screening, and treatment of genetic conditions. However, there have been fears that the technology permits a reduction in privacy when the information is disclosed. Many argue that genetic information can also be used unfairly to discriminate against or stigmatize individuals (Willis 2009).
It was a long day at work and Gene is sick and tired of his job. So excited to get home and play his new game, Gene rushed through traffic. He finally arrives at home to see that his dog, Meaty has torn apart his favorite pillow. The pillow that he sits on whenever he plays his games! Gene is upset with Meaty but won't let it kill his excitement to play his game. Gene makes a Hot Pocket and gets some milk. Finally he sits down to play his game. Gene is having a blast! Until he noticed something out of his window? Oh no!
The society in Brave New World is different and abnormal because the society people know and live in today is quite far from the one described in the novel. Much of the book is dedicated to genetic engineering that is much more advanced than anything tried in today’s society.
Today we live in a very technologically advanced society. Scientists are continually discovering new things about the world and the way things work. "In the 1980ís, it was becoming increasingly apparent to many scientists that an understanding of basic biology would be greatly enhanced if the detailed structure of DNA was understood" (Mehlman, 1998). Thus began what has become know as The Human Genome Project which is "the mapping of all our
Currently, the science field is inventing myriad medications, vaccines, and antimicrobial drugs annually. Even methods to treat and cure diseases have evolved throughout the years. For example, HIV is now able to be controlled; however, the medication is very expensive. Another medical advancement that has developed is genome sequencing. The function of genome sequencing is to look into a person’s DNA and search for future or possible health risks that could develop. Genome sequencing is the only way to know which diseases will affect your baby in the future, and therefore should be used. In this paper I will focus on the article called, “Ethical Issues Arise as Scientists Peek into Baby Genes”, (which is pro genome sequencing) written by
Nature seems to be random in the way that there is no structure, no code of conduct, no virtual organization, but as much as it may seem that way, in the 1800’s naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin discovered there is much more happening in nature, which presented a new theory to the worlds view. Darwin’s research shows that species will go through great change for the survival of their kind.
Before discussion of the ethical, legal and social issues can be successful, some background information is needed. For example, why is the goal of mapping the human genome important? Who is going to benefit or at least be affected by this new
Genetic information is claimed to be sui generis. Within those double helix strands of deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA, are mutations, some which affect the development of the organism. Recent research have led scientists to develop a new type of treatment for mutations. Gene therapy is the name applied to the treatment of inherited diseases by corrective genetic engineering of the dysfunctional gene. [1] This revolutionary advancement in medical technology, however, has provoked a portion of society into ruling this treatment as inhuman and unethical. [2] Despite the large criticism, this procedure alone is dangerous to attempt since the human immune system could reject the new DNA, which causes the patient to fall ill. [3] Gene therapy, a twenty-six
The Human Genome Project basically was a research program that worked on a goal to get an image of human genome and get a better understanding of all a human beings genes. DNA is founded on 4 chemical bases, they turn into twisted ladder shaped DNA molecules. And all the the four bases are what create the genes just placed in different ways and different lengths. One revelation of the human genome project was when they learned that there are about 20,500 genes. The Human Genome Project brought many scientist together around the world and each one was an important factor for the project. It was a publicly funded organization and got funds and support from the Department of Energy and US National Institutes of Health