Friday, March 20, 2015

The Controversial Topic of Gene Editing


The concept of editing a persons DNA for the health benefits has been rapidly approaching for decades. Now, a decision must be made regarding this controversial issue. Previously, in 1975, scientist were asked to refrain from seeking methods to alter genes. Obviously, this agreement was broached. Hence, today there is knowledge of how to edit genes for the benefit of eliminating genes from the human gene pool. These methods have already been practiced on various animals and prove to be promising.

This cartoon imagine illustrates how DNA is primed to eliminate undesired sequences. 



Accordingly, there is the ethical issue arising.  Historically, many Christians have feared for this advancement in science, mainly for the fact it may develop into a pattern of altering superficial genes. Most would agree that if this is the solution to removing cancer and other harmful genetic mutations from our society, than biologist should be advancing, however, there is the issue of where to draw the line. Consequently, this article builds up to the need for an international meeting for the National Academy of Sciences to enforce restrictions regarding human gene editing.

In my opinion, it is too late to terminate this scientific practice. As a result, guidelines need to be set in an attempt to control this experiment. Where should the line be drawn? I think this process needs to be taken one gene at a time, because it is an experiment, thus the side effects on humans, including their proceeding generations, is entirely unknown. Furthermore, laws need to be set in place to eliminate unnecessary gene editing. Where do you stand? Should scientist have stopped back in 1975 or where exactly do we draw the line, if any, today?

3 comments:

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  2. I think that the thought of delaying or stopping gene editing is simply unrealistic. If the technology and knowledge is there then people, either legally or illegally, will attempt it. Also, I see no real problem with superficial gene editing since a change in hair or eye color is something trivial in my mind. As for the possible danger of gene editing it should be viewed with the thought of risk versus reward. For example, would you risk a lethal gene to possibly stop a lethal disease like cancer? In this regard there are still many people today who smoke fully knowing the risks associated with it but do it anyways. Also, the only way for this technique to become more safe and accurate is for the research to be performed and tested. Furthermore, gene editing is not being forced on anyone and is simply an option for the people who choose it.

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  3. Thank you for you're wonderfully worded opinion Charles. You make a clear point, that it is too late to terminate or limit this research as people will explore it regardless. They have proved this through their actions, as scientist have consistently pushed for this, not much has the ability to stop experiments now.

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