The Human Genome Revolution in the Rio Grande Valley

The Human Genome Revolution in the Rio Grande Valley

Most, if not all, of the technological and scientific advances throughout history, were influenced by the burning desire to discover, to know, and to be in control. The ambition to acquire knowledge has led mankind to embark on controversial and risk full, yet promising and intriguing fields, such as genetic research and study. In our modern day world, genetic research, or what we know as the genome revolution, has caused unceasing turmoil and controversy; however, behind all the ethical and religious opinions lies the hope for a brighter future for humanity. Whether we realize it or not, genome research brings with it many benefits, as well as new subjects of debate closer to us, in our community- the Rio Grande Valley.

The Rio Grande Valley is populated with a vast majority of Hispanic people. A Hispanic myself, I know that our people are passionate lovers of our culture and faithful followers of our faith. Many Hispanics do not favor genome research, (human cloning in specific), because it is an insult to the Christian faith, which holds God as the one and only creator of life. The knowledge of the human genome structure, equips man to become "architects" of life. Beyond the concern of man creating man, lays the uncertainty of the spiritual being and integrity of the newly created human clones. In an area where Hispanics are the dominating ethnic group, conflicts are definitely sure to arise between those who oppose and support cloning.

The Rio Grande Valley is also an agricultural area, and genome research provides new and more perfected techniques for farming and cultivating. These modern processes, are far more perfected than latter day techniques, and result in higher quality products, in much larger quantities. Greater and faultless productivity will promote and generate better business opportunities for agricultural companies in the valley. In return, employees of these companies will receive better salaries. It is important to keep in mind that many Hispanics do not only support their immediate family but also those that are away from them, like elderly parents. In this way, the Rio Grande Valley's inhabitants will be greatly benefited.

Hispanics are prone to many diseases already inscribed in our DNA, like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, as well as many others.