Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is already in our lives and affecting how we will view organ transplants, gene modification, as well as somatic cell manipulation. This can be attributed to our already complacent, almost ignorant stance regarding the rapid advancement of this field.
Genetic engineering of humans is not as far fetched as it sounds; researchers have already gone as far as using genetic engineering in the cloning of complete animals. As to whether this is acceptable to the masses continues to be debated, even today. Another example of ways the scientists are using genetic engineering is in somatic cell manipulation. This is where the researchers actually killed a young person in a failed attempt to insert genes into his liver. They were using a modified virus to carry the genes to their objective. Evidence suggests that the genetic engineering involved used a modified gene, which although was intended to only invade the youth's liver, spread to other organs as well. The result was a severe, immune reaction causing death in the patient. How many genetic engineering test subjects have there been?
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Another way that these same researchers apply genetic engineering to the human body is through Germline manipulation. This is where the researchers alter the sperm or egg cells or even the embryo itself. Is genetic engineering playing God?
In this, and every case of genetic engineering, researchers are required to submit both positive as well as all the negative data to the National Institute of Health. This isn't as forthcoming as expected; as the researchers don't want any adverse news about genetic engineering to hamper their ability to continue with these trials. Currently, most of the submitted information to the FDA on somatic cell manipulation is kept behind closed doors. This same agency (NIH) has been pushing to make some of these trials available to the public.
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