We have come to a point in history where science is becoming a major theme in everyday life.
By: CORY MUEHLEBACH
Opinions Editor
Genetic engineering has the potential to cure thousands of genetic diseases, but some people believe it has the power to doom humanity.
We have come to a point in history where science is becoming a major theme in everyday life. We have had the technology to scan for tumors, to monitor the heart and even to detect signs of genetic defects before the child is even born. Nothing scares parents more than the chance their child will have a difficult life and they have plenty reason to.
Some children are born with genetic diseases like Down syndrome, which introduces an extra copy of chromosome 21 causing the victim person to develop irregularly. With advanced genetic engineering, these problems will soon cease to exist. In a Laboratory atUniversiy College of London, scientists have recently isolated cells and have actually cured the genes associated with D.S. Researchers took cells from people suffering from DS and managed to inhibit the extra chromosome. Though far from public use, the technology is vastly expanding and sooner or later, genetic diseases such as Down syndrome will be a thing of the past.
While there are many good things to come out of a genetic revolution, foreseeable tragedies could easily sneak their way into society. What if the military authenticates the use for steroids to make super soldiers? Or what if we fool around with a fetus DNA and create something far from human? Where do ethics come into play? These are questions that we must all ask ourselves whenever we give money to research or vote on certain scientific stimulations. Stem cells have been a curious ethical adventure and surely genetic engineering will go down a similar path.
Coming up with a plan to ensure the safety of humanity can be a vigorous road to travel down, but the journey is necessary. If we can manage to cure diseases without pursuing unethical concepts, we can manage to create a new system based on progress and not destruction. Genetic engineering has proven to benefit humans greatly considering the manipulation of crops and cells, but will the curiosity of humans ascend our common sense? Just like with nuclear fission, the world may first discover the destruction before the beauty of scientific reinvention.
We are undoubtedly heading toward a genetic age. We must then use ethical standards and procedures when dealing with something so complicated and powerful in nature. Perhaps more strict laws should be attached to tampering with the genes of animals or perhaps we should regulate the manipulation of crop genes, whatever the case, we as humans owe it to ourselves to be as cautious as can be when heading into unknown territory.
