Epigenetics: Medicine’s New Epicenter

The engineering of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is entirely new, yet genetics, as a field of science, has fascinated mankind for over 2,000 years. Man has always tried to bend nature around his will through selective breeding and other forms of practical genetics. Today, scientists have a greater understanding of genetics and its role in living organisms. Unfortunately, some people are trying to stop further studies in genetics, but the research being conducted today will serve to better mankind tomorrow. Among many benefits of genetic engineering are the several cures being developed for presently incurable diseases.

Still in its youth, genetic therapy has made progress, however it still needs much more advancements. When looking at the surface, nearly every clinical test that has been conducted has resulted in failure. There are many reasons for this, including media, investors, and rush testing. Biotechnology is a serious field of science, therefore its studying and research should not be rushed, valuable information could be surpassed. However, reality sheds another light and the testing is rushed, failure has resulted.

Gene Therapy is a modern treatment which uses genes to treat or prevent genetic diseases. It is a process of which DNA is used as a drug to treat a disease by delivering therapeutic DNA into a patients cell. The mutated gene is replaced by a healthier, functional/therapeutic gene which corrects and converts the cells lacking in protein or faultiness. Our future is based behind our genes in the body and scientists are trying to move away from drugs as a solution. Gene therapy is revolutionising the world of medicine and it could be the biggest and most helpful treatment created.

This new study is challenging the way people think about DNA. This study by the ... ... middle of paper ... ... Medical companies give their clients safe medicine and this is another reason why the genetic medicine and treatment should add on to medicine the world already have. Genetic testing is revolutionary it has the capability to help the world advance and grow. The United States have the ability to use technology and develop technology that could change our world. Through genetic experimentation diseases could cease to plague our citizens, the world could have a new and exciting medical renaissance, and the treatments to diseases would be enduring.

Manufacturing such tools to deliver corrective DNA into affected cells within the body is just one of the obstacles that scientists and researchers are facing. Arthur Bank, guest journalist for BioJournals, recently detailed that modifying viruses proves to be an effective w... ... middle of paper ... ... therapy. With further research and development it might just be possible to take the genetic evolution of the human genome into our own hands. However, it is no surprise that there are some that question the ethical background of such a procedure. Works Cited "An Introduction in Gene Therapy."

In order to be able to decipher how certain medications will interact with DNA, scientists must first identify as many variations as possible and figure out which ones have a significance in the effects of medicines. ... ... middle of paper ... ...be the answer to solving many medical mysteries that have remained unsolved for centuries. People will have to make a decision that will affect life dramatically. Though there are the drawbacks, an individual will have to choose what is more important to them. Should one get the genetic treatment and live a full life, but possibly be discriminated against?

To cure cancer the damaging mechanism must be rectified or the blood supply that goes to the cells must be stopped or by destroying the cancer. The current prognostic and diagnostic classifications fail to reflect the clinical heterogeneity of cancer tumors and they are inadequate in making predictions for successful patient outcome and treatment. Some current anticancer agents do not show the difference between normal and cancerous cells, this creates adverse effects and systemic toxicity. Many times cancer is diagnose in its last stages and treated late, by this time the cancer has invaded and penetrated into other parts of the body. Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology that manages the biological information.

Cancer is a disease that can either enter the body environmentally, intake of a harmful substance, or genetically. One of the causes of cancer is environmental, meaning that factors of one’s environment, such as sunlight, could affect one’s body negatively. Also substances that someone puts in their bodies, such as tobacco or alcohol could cause cancer, meaning intake of harmful substance can also affect the body negatively. Lastly, cancer can be caused by genetics, meaning that cancer can be passed down through generations. Though the premise of the evolutionary biology of cancer is not a new topic, there has been a rise in studies focusing on this... ... middle of paper ... ...ncer can begin to tell us evolutionary patterns and how to apply different treatment patterns that were used before.

There are still many technological advances to be made in the area of stem cells before they can be used. In order for all these advances to take place, we need government funding, not personal differences and gains. Despite the argument of the ethical issue, political and religious, along with scientific, stem cell research is opening a new door in medical science that will change the world and the lives of everyone forever.

Eliminating the cancer stem cells that are responsible for tumor growth could potentially cure a patient. Leaving the cancer stem cells and simply destroying the tumor is not beneficial. Having a clear understanding of how cancer stem cells elude therapies can also lead to more effective cancer treatments.