Biotech+Topics

Space for Student responses to biotehical dillemas. (Each student must respond to one of the six dilemmas in the space below. Sign your post with 4"~" characters) 1192759672
__**DNA Data Base**__

Haha that would be awesome ! No offense but ISB has way too much security anyways. We wouldn't need ID cards either, they could just poke us in the finger whenever we want to eat lunch. I don't think it's too much of an ethical dilemma, as long as they only would use our DNA for identification purposes. I would want there to be like a DNA privacy policy, it would be really bad if someone from the outside hacked into the data base and could look at students DNA. It wouldn't really change a lot at ISB. There is a lot of crime in public schools in America. I don't know if it would help as much as it seems it would. How would they figure out which DNA sample belonged to the suspect? Pretend the crime happened in the school cafeteria, you would probably have traces of every student. In public schools the guilty suspects in Sex assaults, assaults, and substance abuse are often caught by practical measures (ie. drug tests, multiple witnesses). I think that a DNA data base would cause more problems than it would fix.

The fact that schools, ISB among them, could create a DNA data base containing genetic information on all students is fascinating. Surreal, almost. With this technology, ISB would not be the same. This is why I think that creating a DNA data base not only for schools but for multinational companies would be a very useful way to guarantee the safety of the students/employees/etc. It is a very easy process and would not take much time to compile the necessary information. With this information, if would be much easier to investigate theft and other crimes. It would, however, to be essential that this information was 100% confidential and secured. Even though there is no chance that the information would be realized to future insurers or employers, there is always a risk that the information could be stolen and used for the wrong purposes, such as exploiting the student. Also, if I gave a sample of my DNA to the school, I would not want to know about any diseases that I could have, etc. However, a DNA data base for the school would be an incredible breakthrough, not only technologically, but for school security and stability as well. 1204728057

//By extracting a DNA sample from every student which enters the school grounds of ISB, authorities will be able to have a genetic profile on all students. The uses of a DNA data base consisting of thousands of DNA samples can be limitless as it provides new possibilities and opportunities to the school environment.

First of all, this technology may be able to enhance security within the school, including theft, vandalism, sexual assaults, or other crimes against society. A single strand of hair, a drop of blood, or a flake of skin can be used to effectively with this technology. With an analysis on the DNA sample, a list of possible suspects could be created and this technology will eventually cause a reduction of crimes on society. 1204726537

Another possible use for this DNA database could be for locating specific persons. In a scenario where a person has become missing, DNA samples could be collected to either find the possible locations of the missing personnel or locate a possible kidnapper.

Although this technology may be beneficial for an educational environment, there still are several risks. One important problem that may be caused by DNA databases is a leakage of genetic information to third parties. These third party groups may exploit this technology as a way to get to the student. This may cause several problems ranging from an increase of health advertisements to a homicide due to stereotypes.

All in all, I believe that the yields over weigh the risks and this technology although may cause problems, it can also be very beneficial. 1204727193//

I think that creating a DNA data base for a school, or any large institution/organization, etc is a great idea, because it is a way to secure the safety of other people. Having a complete collection of everyone's genetic information we are able to investigate crimes more easily than before. However, a concern that could possibly arise is whether if the DNA database itself is as secured as we think it is. If the genetic profiles are accidently revealed or stolen then tremendous disasters may happen. So the question finally is whether if creation of a such database would lead to future troubles that we are not ca[able of handling at the moment. 1204726830

I think having a DNA Data Base could be very useful, if used for the right purposes, like school security. However it would also allow the school to know your entire genetic background, like diseases which might be personal. If there are any genetic problems, they would be very apparent. Some people might feel that giving their DNA away is sharing too much information and is unnecessary, and that the school can just as easily get the DNA sample after they go missing or whatever happens. Once schools start requiring DNA data bases then other institutes like workplaces might start requiring DNA samples as well, which they might use for not such good purposes. At this point in time we don't understand enough about the consequences, and its unclear how it would be handled and might create more issues than it would resolve.1204727889

==The likelihood that biotechnology has gotten this far, is by itself, astonishing. Although there are many risks a school is taking, but storing their students and faculties DNA, I believe, with the best intentions it will benefit everyone. I believe it will benefit everyone for fairly obvious reasons, identification reasons. In a case of theft, or other criminal investigation purposes, it will make the school’s security more efficient and simply easier for the security users. When considering the usage of genetic profiles for all the students and faculty, you need to take into account the negative side. The genetic profiles must be safely secured, for if it is in the wrong hands, an extremely bad situation could arise. Not only that, but a students personal information will be revealed to, for the most part, a big hunk of the school. This can be embarrassing and discomforting for the students with personal problems, and the students around them. Although there are many positive and negative effects on a school in the case of genetic engineering, I believe that nobody at this time knows for sure, whether a genetic profile should be used in schools across the world. 1204956397==

__**Artificial Chromosomes**__ As bio-engineering and technology develops, we are faced with many ethical issues and considerations that come along with such power. Artifical chromosomes are a prime example of this. With the development artificial chromosomes, we come closer and closer to creating what we call designer babies. I believe governments should ban the use of artifical chromosomes for cosmetic or superficial health benefits as they are not good enough reasons to start playing god. I believe that articial chromosomes, however, are acceptable under certain cases. For example, if all fertilized eggs are either a carrier of a rare fatal disease, or will develop the disease in their life, I believe that artificial chromosomes should be allowed to be used so that the parents are able to have a child that will not die before they reach adulthood. This decision though of course, still ultimately lies with the parents in question. These rare cases could be reviewed by a special council to see if they qualify as an exception to the no articial chromosome rule. Allowing increased life expectancies by a decade however, while it may seem innocent now, is only the first step towards more not-so-innocent artificial chromosones that will lead to creating a "perfect" human being, and therefore should not be allowed. 1204725864

I think artficial chromosomes are not really a bad thing. For example, lets say your child-to-be could only live 4 years after the birth because of some rare hereditary illness. Then, the doctor tells you that your baby's life expectancy will increase when you transplant an artifical chromosomes. Will you not transplant it? I think everybody will do it. But, I think it should be illegal to change the chromosomes to design babies because all the parents will design their babies which makes the uniqueness of each person to be gone. Thus, artificial chromosomes should only be used in serious cases.1204991013

__**Cloning of Human Embryos**__

The cloning of human embryos sparks up multiple dilemas in the public's mind. Some believe that religiously human cloning is unacceptable because the new child-clone will lack a soul. In response to this, one can wonder and debate about a mutitude of questions, such as, "What is a soul?", "Where do we get our human soul from?". Also, some religious groups do not like the idea of man taking up the role of God, the creator. They believe only He has the right to create life. But once again one can argue, "In a world governed by science and technology, is this not progress? Or are there aspects of society that should never be touched by science?". 1204724423

Another bioethical concern for some, is the misuse of such technology, to create clones of leaders such as Adolf Hitler. Can the world deal with a thousand such leaders? But many beleieve that clones do not have the same personality as the original donor of the gene. Also, if this was true, one could clone a thousand Einstein's and the world could make rapid scientific progress. Once again this a controversial issue. 1204724423 Also, some are concerned that in developing countries, where men are considered superior to women, could sexism occur? Parents asking for boys instead of baby girls. A possible threat to the very existence of mankind. 1204724423

Finally, there is the issue of genoism, not only in the workplace but everywhere. Several believe that human clones will be treated as slaves or mere organ donors for healthier human lives. They will not be treated as individual human beings with rights. 1204724423

Cloning of human embryos for this particular purpose- to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s- is an acceptable form of genetic engineering, because it may improve the lives of those with these horrible diseases. However, when addressing the topic of cloning humans, we must draw the line here. Cloning a human embryo and allowing this embryo to develop is dangerous, due to low success rates and disputes such as religious disputes. With the issue of clone slavery and racism aside, cloning a human is unnatural and was not intended by nature. However, the cloning of human embryos is very controversial issue, due to the religious aspect. Some people believe that embryos are life and by destroying these embryos, you are committing murder. People oppose to the idea of cloning embryos, however it should not be regulated by law; because if abortion is not illegal and is a decision left to the public, why should the decision of cloning a human embryo be any different?


 * __Screening Embryos__**

It is a question of what is considered "normal". I understand that the sickle-cell disease is something that one would not want their child to have but if something unnatural is implanted there might be a margin of error which could cripple the child even more. I think that this is a good idea to stop people from developing fatal diseases and it is totally safe if done right. The cost would not be an issue because if I were a parent I would do the best for my child no matter how much money is involved. It is really hard to draw a line because sometimes it can be very successful while other times it may fail. 1204719118

This is a very fundamental problem for human and it’s extremely difficult to draw a line but I think “Screening Embryos” is one of the most forbidden issues. I know lots of parents in the world have children with severe sickle-cell disease and I can imagine how badly they long for their babies to be healthy. There’s no surprise some spend a large amount of money to try to get best treatment. But what if they can eliminate their sickle-cell genes from their fetuses? Doesn’t that indirectly discriminate, perhaps ignore the children who have sickle-cell diseases? Are they not healthy? I agree the children who have those diseases are not healthy in a way. For their parents, however, they are eternally precious children, there is no doubt. They love their children no matter how severe disorder they have. I don’t think it’s a good idea to screen embryos and arrange fetuses’ genes. It might change people’s ethics in negative way.1204727582 In my point of view, I think screening embryos is not a bad thing to do. For example, if I and my spouse both carry sickle-cell and have a 25% chance of having a child with severe sicle-cell disease I will ask the doctor to screen the embryo to prevent my child getting this sickle-cell disease. A sickle-cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that contain mostly hemoglobin* S, an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Sometimes these red blood cells become sickle-shaped (crescent shaped) and have difficulty passing through small blood vessels. When sickle-shaped cells block small blood vessels, less blood can reach that part of the body. Tissue that does not receive a normal blood flow eventually becomes damaged. This is what causes the complications of sickle cell disease. There is currently no universal cure for sickle cell disease. Not only because my child will not get sickle-cell disease, but also that we assume the procedure is perfectly safe, easy and free. Also, as there is no universal cure for sickle-cell disease I will screen the embryo.1205840771


 * __Genoism in the Workplace__**

Genoism in a workplace is unacceptable, how can your DNA or the fact that your body has been genetically modified determine whether you are a good employee or not? A person can be genetically modified and still be a contributing member of a company, he/she can still do the jobs that a normal human can do. By being racist towards genetic modifications, we are showing that we are intolerant of change; but isn't change good? Our nature has gone through so many progressive and positive changes to evolve into this world that we are living in. Genetic modification to a extent that isn't pushing the boundaries of altering nature, is simply a good change that gives a little push to the advancement of technology and evolution. Genoism is not acceptable. Like in the movie //Gattaca//, the main character shouldn't have to go through a dramatic and painful change in order to achieve a dream just because his DNA shows that he has a high risk of illnesses. Genoism in a workplace shouldn't be allowed because a person's "not-so-perfect" DNA does not affect whether he/she can do the job well or not. 1204717117

** I fully acknowledge the fact that workplaces are trying to recruit the healthiest employees. Even if I were looking for an employee, I wouldn't like to know that my employee would have a disease in the near future. Who'd want to work with people with disease? No one. But the question comes in, when the certainty of these scientific predictions are asked. Scientists only predict through sequence of genes, but this aspect seems a bit too unreliable. The 38-year-old woman (mentioned on the worksheet) had only carried the gene for fatal Huntington's Disease. This means that the woman //might// have had higher chances than others in getting the disease, but it does not necessarily mean she //would've//. Likewise, in the movie Gattaca, Vincent was predicted to have many negative health aspects (heart disease, short life expectancy, etc). But with tremendous effort, Vincent had overcome the doctors' prediction. We can already conclude from this, that genes are only there to identify the //chances/possibilities.// Therefore, I think it would be unfair to judge people according to their genes in any case. I'm not saying I'm against workplaces not recruiting unhealthy employees; even I would've done this. But I think allowing biotechnology to judge people is wrong. 1204816246
 * Genoism in the workplace is definitely not acceptable and not even reasonable. If racism is such a big issue, do people really want to start a new form of it? The employers are not considering the woman’s qualifications or skills, they just think about what they think is ‘best’ for the company. Yet, this woman could be the most skilled, hardest working employee but they are incredibly short sited and don’t even consider her because of her genes. I believe that a person should definitely not be judged or discriminated against at the workplace because of their “not good enough” genes. 1204728101

Genoism in a Workplace is without a doubt unacceptable in society. It's not right for a woman as mentioned in the sheet to be out work due to a DNA interview. The analysis of DNA isn't the measure of the full potential of a person. The person of with the disease could definitly have the possibility of going on for ten years and being at the strength she has and being as healthy as a horse. Okay thats a little out of hand but she could definitly have the possibilty of going on longer than 2 years and being very active and helpful. Such as Vincent in Gattaca, prevailing through amazing feats from swimming 12 miles in to the ocean, and jogging at high speeds for long amounts of time, all with a major heart condition. He had oovercame what the DNA analysis had labeled and proved that a hard work ethic and passion cna prevail through Genoism, and genoism in a workplace. SO i believe Genoism in work is unacceptable even in today's society, although its more just by appearence and not through DNA, but when people turn down workers because their too old or appear to fat or to soemthing it's like discriminating when not even knowing for sure. I believe Genoism shouldn't be tolerated in Society in any matter especially in a workplace.-- RICO MITCHELL --RICO MITCHELL 1205753957

It is not right that insurance companies look at your genome to see if you can be approved or not. The people that have medical problems and health conditions (especially conditions that came on unexpectedly or ones that you were born with) are the ones that need the most help and should be able to easily get insurance. Many countries now have National Health Insurance. This means that anyone, no matter what age, gender or illnesses they have or could have is medically covered by the country in times of needs. This money is won through taxes. The USA is the only first world country that still does not have national health care. The worst way that an insurance company can 'scam' you is by not even giving you a chance to live. They do this by telling the parents they will cover the abortion but not the baby. This, in my opinion, is murder. There is no sure way of knowing how the disease will effect the child, and everyone deserves a chance at life. Everyone should be granted insurance, because it is there to help in times of need, and if you are not granted health insurance because you are sick, then there might as well not be insurance companies. 1205741549
 * __Insurance Genoism__**