Beneficial or a serious threat? Genetic modification is nothing new. For many years, humans have been genetically enhancing other organisms through the practice of selective breeding. However, many fear that we are losing the reality of what it means to be a human, and, in the process messing with the balance of nature. The risks that come with genetic engineering is an obvious concern, but, it is necessary that we continue to move forward with science in order to create solutions that can improve the quality of life for the future. There are many benefits to be obtain from genetic engineering, it allows the potential of preventing numerous disease and illnesses, the benefits can also be seen in agriculture, helping increase crop yields, and improving nutrition by enhancing certain foods to combat with vitamin deficiencies. This research paper will present the ethical argument favoring genetic engineering, and its beneficial qualities. Literature review In spite of the fact that there is substantial potentiality in genetic engineering, there are still many people who oppose to it. Every scientific advancements is accompanied by a list of risks, and, many people feel that the benefits of genetic engineering are not worth the gamble. However, it is not hard to understand why some people feel this way. Genetic engineering strikes the question of ethics, will this diminish the meaning of being human? Many fear that we are putting our food chain at risk, or that we can cause a major threat to our health by creating a new disease organisms to which there is no available cure. It is true that there may be risks involved, nonetheless, it should be acknowledge that science has provided us with many beneficial advancement that at one poi... ... middle of paper ... ...st themselves have recognized the problems that it could bring to the environment, therefore created a method where the modified eggs could all be made sterile at one time. (West, 2006). Genetic engineering is one of the most controversial aspects of science, with countless benefits to be obtain from it. Just like any new scientific discovery there is always a likelihood of risks, but, with proper research and environmental precautions, genetic engineering could help us improve life on earth. Genetic engineering has helped combat with vitamin deficiencies, with crop yields, and numerous healthcare treatments. In over a decade there has been no reported harm done to humans as a result of modified food. The fear of the unknown should not be a reason to diminish genetic engineering, but rather, allow the studies of new advancements that can help improve human life.
Human characteristics have evolved all throughout history and have been manipulated on a global scale through the use of science and technology. Genetic modification is one such process in which contemporary biotechnology techniques are employed to develop specific human characteristics. Despite this, there are a countless number of negative issues related with genetic modification including discrimination, ethical issues and corruption. Hence, genetic modification should not be used to enhance human characteristics.
Pamela Ronald, a plant geneticist, presented a Ted Talk “The case for engineering our food”, Ronald points out that engineered genetics for our plants is not harmful, yet better for our environment and health. “Now, genetic modification is not new; virtually everything we eat has been genetically modified in some manner”(Ronald).
There are 22,000 genes in a single human cell. Do you think we can manipulate such a complex network of genes? Do you think we will be able to go against nature and redesign ourselves through the process of genetic engineering? The definite answer to that question is no. The human body is too complex for genetic engineering to be carried out successfully. Genetic Engineering will also create an unjust social hierarchy where the rich would be a perfectly crafted species and the middle class/poor would seem like the imperfect “outcastes” of the society. Moreover, genetic engineering will not give people the ability to choose what they want to pursue in their life. This is because, in such a world, parents would choose traits for their children before they are even born. So, humans would live how someone else wants them to live but not by their own choice. Therefore, genetic engineering to enhance human skills or abilities should be banned.
One of the most controversial topics discussed in the world of medicine pertained to the topic of genetic engineering. Some doctors saw it as tool of world destruction, however many of them seeing it as a chance of potential cures and treatments. Charles Darwin first introduced this idea. In his first publication, The Origin of Species, he introduced the idea of survival of the fittest. He stated that evolutionary change was only possible due to the genetic variation between each generation, including the combination of different characteristics. In other words, he wrote that only those who had desirable characteristics, in terms of survival, would be able to pass down their genes. If two bred and possessed desirable characteristics, then the desirable characteristic would strengthen, modifying the genes. Darwin’s theories have been the base of many medical breakthroughs that contributed to genetic engineering. The idea soon influenced medicine, the idea of strengthening the healthy cells and isolating them from the unhealthy ones. The simple idea Darwin discovered had changed medicine as a whole. Today, doctors and scientists are able to manipulate genes in order to create new treatments and cures. Today, Darwin’s discovery changed and saved millions of lives around the world. Despite the fact that genetic engineering can have a negative impact on society, it was an important discovery due to the advancement in conventional medicine.
In our media intensive society, thousands of newspapers and magazines, tv talk shows resound with different points of view about the morality of gene therapy. Proponents of this medical treatment argue that it promises enormous benefits for medicine as well as agriculture and industry. Yet, it has aroused considerable public concern because it is perceived by many as an unpredictable technology. The major ethical controversy is whether to alter the natural human genetic structure.
A Review on Impacts of Genetically Modified Food on Human Health. Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 4. This paper give the concept that genetic engineering provides a means to introduce genes into plants that are different in some respects from classical breeding. Gene transfer in animals will play a part in boundless possibilities of improving qualitative and quantitative traits. If the yield has negative effects of gene technology on animals, human, and environment should be considered.
Genetic engineering has been around for many years and is widely used all over the planet. Many people don’t realize that genetic engineering is part of their daily lives and diet. Today, almost 70 percent of processed foods from a grocery store were genetically engineered. Genetic engineering can be in plants, foods, animals, and even humans. Although debates about genetic engineering still exist, many people have accepted due to the health benefits of gene therapy.
Science and technology are rapidly advancing everyday; in some ways for the better, and in some, for worse. One extremely controversial advance is genetic engineering. As this technology has high potential to do great things, I believe the power genetic engineering is growing out of control. Although society wants to see this concept used to fight disease and illness, enhance people 's lives, and make agriculture more sustainable, there needs to be a point where a line is drawn.
Genetically modifying human beings has the possibility of greatly reducing/completely eradicating disease and could allow for longer lifespans within the near future. However, there are many issues associated with genetic engineering including being misused for ulterior motives and ethical problems. While there is good that can come from genetic engineering, the many detriments associated with it far outweigh the few positive outcomes. In his novel Brave New World, Aldous Huxley’s idea of genetic modification is far more extreme and unethical than any current real world technologies, but if the technology continues to rapidly grow, Huxley’s future may not be that far off from the truth.
Technology has a significant influence across the world, as it has become a fast growing field. Modern biotechnology has been in the major forefront of this influence. From the discovery of DNA to the cloning of various animals, the study of genetic engineering has changed the way society views life. However, does genetic engineering have the capacity to influence the world to its best abilities? Products, which are genetically engineered, may cause severe negative effects on our society. This industry, carrying the potential of leading us toward the unnatural selection of humans to possibly environmental disasters will put humankind in peril. Society, along with humankind, will be in jeopardy since to genetic engineering has the potential of being disastrous.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a cause of continuous debate. What would be the purpose of producing genetically altered food? Many argue that GMOs could prove to be very beneficial, the use of GMOs could lead to advances in medicine, and agriculture, and they could also prevent famine in poor underdeveloped countries. Genetic modification offers many benefits: pest control, disease resistant crops, drought resistant crops, no use of insecticides, nutritional beneficial foods, and less contamination. This is only a short list of the many benefits offered by the used of GMOs. With so many benefits why are we opposed to such a miracle? (NERC 2005)
Human Genetic Engineering: Designing the Future As the rate of advancements in technology and science continue to grow, ideas that were once viewed as science fiction are now becoming reality. As we collectively advance as a society, ethical dilemmas arise pertaining to scientific advancement, specifically concerning the controversial topic of genetic engineering in humans.
The controversy of these issues stems from the immense potential in genetic sciences for both positive use and harmful misuse. Though the questions and fears of critics reflect the wisdom of caution, the potentially unlimited benefits mandate that we pursue these technologies.
Although genetic engineering seems to be more harmful than helpful, when used correctly, it will help the society prosper. Considering the technology our society has currently developed, genetic engineering is a difficult topic to discuss and confirm. If the researchers confirm this process, it may become easier for the scientists and will help cure the diseases easily. The debate, however, will still be on the rise because of the issue in human morals and ethics.
Genetic engineering is a way in which specific genes for an animal or plant can be extracted, and reproduced to form a new animal or plant. These new organisms will express the required trait for that gene. This practice is a very controversial topic within the scientific world. It is being implemented in various areas such as agriculture, even though there are many alternatives that can be found for genetic engineered crops, such as organic materials and reducing leeching of the soil. The controversy regarding this practice occurs as it is believed to contribute both negative and positive implications and dangers, not only to oneself but the environment as a whole.