Much has been said against genetic modification of humans, but four arguments have been used over and over again in attacking this technology: the uniqueness argument, the freedom argument, the authenticity argument, and the giftedness argument. These assumptions are obvious versions of false genetic determinism, and are therefore unsound. Argument # 1: UniquenessThe uniqueness argument posits that genetic modification of humans violates the uniqueness of the genetically modified person. However…

Aldous Huxley imagined in Brave New World a society where the state manufactures different human classes, each designed to perform specific roles. In Anarchy, State and Utopia, Robert Nozick presents the genetic supermarket wherein becoming a parent is as simple as purchasing a new car: If you want a female, artistically gifted child with the blackest hair, the bluest eyes, and a superior IQ, then you only have to buy the necessary goods and services to create the exact child. Many authors have …

President Barack Obama is overturning yet another policy of the Bush regime. This time, Obama will allow federal taxpayer dollars to finance embryonic stem cell (ESC) research. This is in fulfillment of his campaign promise to push more research to discover better treatments for illnesses ranging from paralysis to diabetes.Like the late actor Christopher Reeve and former first lady Nancy Reagan, Obama supports the call to end restrictions on stem cell research budget. The executive order reverse…

Technological and scientific advancements in the genetic engineering field have proceeded rapidly in the past few years. On the one hand, proponents of genetic modification argue that this technology makes our lives much better. On the other hand, opponents of genetic engineering cite numerous environmental and ethical issues. One area of genetic engineering that has sparked heated debates is germline engineering, also known as inheritable genetic modification (IGM).What is inheritable genetic m…

While people are in constant pursuit of ways to improve and advance the quality of human life, some activities in the field of genetics face scrutiny from many advocacy groups because they are seen as violating fundamental environmental and ethical principles. Human cloning is one area of genetic engineering that has ignited intense debates. Below are some environmental and ethical arguments against human cloning. Human cloning violates the precautionary principleA foundation of environmentalism…

Neonatal diabetes is characterized by insulin-sensitive hyperglycemia usually diagnosed within the first six months of life. The prevalence of this condition is around 1 in 400,000 births. About 50% of all cases of neonatal diabetes are an effect of mutations in either the sulfonylurea receptor -1 gene (SUR1) or the KIR6.2 gene (polymorphisms of KCNJ11). Researchers at Oxford University in the United Kingdom headed by Frances Ashcroft have now designed a mouse model of the disease that they stro…

Mapping dog genome could shed light on human diseases. A complete sequence of dog genome not only helps explain dogs’ unique set of behaviors, traits, and diseases, it could also help identify human disorders. Understanding the relationship between canine genetics and diseases could eventually lead to the development of new treatments for diseases and illnesses in humans.Dog genes and human diseasesHumans and dogs may be more alike than we think. For one, they share a number of diseases, such as…

Damage to bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons are common in horses used in racing, polo, and equestrian. In a potential breakthrough, Melbourne researchers are trying to harness stem cells to repair these damages.Horse injuriesBone, cartilage, ligament, and tendon injuries in horses range from a minor inflammation to a complete rupture. The latter can lead to permanent lameness, eventually ending the competitive life of the horse. Once it suffers a ligament or tendon injury, the horse will…

With diminishing fishery resources and increasing food demand from an ever-growing human population, it is not surprising that aquaculture corporations and multinational biotechnology are funding research and development into genetically modifying fish. Genetically engineered fish are bred to enhance their commercial viability, like enhanced growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and tolerance for certain environmental conditions. Farm-raised trout, sought after mainly by recreational anglers…

Salmonella, a genus of bacteria, is one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, salmonella illnesses about 14 of 100,000 persons each year, with an annual 30,000 reported cases of salmonellosis. Salmonella may be very bad bacteria, but researchers have discovered a way to transform these distressing bacteria into heroes: genetic modification. A latest study suggests that modified salmonella can deliver an antigen that protec…