Creation And Cures Essay, Research Paper

CREATION AND CURES

Imagine not worrying about being perfect. Having IQ levels better than Einstein, but with an appealing appearance, singing better than the Backstreet Boys, and playing a favorite sport like a professional. Well, fortunately scientists have found a way of making those imaginative thoughts into reality through Genetic Engineering. Decades ago genetic engineering began, in its most simplest form, by cross breeding crops and cattle as well as domestic pets. Different traits were strengthened while other traits were lessened in these organisms. Now with a better understanding of the genome genetic engineering has taken on another level. Scientists can now insert or activate, genes within our DNA which results in turning on or off or adding and removing traits.

Scientists should use genetic engineering to improve our lifestyle. Just by inserting or removing that extra gene they can examine a human before birth and prevent humans from having diseases. Positive eugenics encouraged parents displaying favorable characteristics to have large families. Superior intelligence, intellectual achievement, and artistic talent are examples. (Klug10). Almost every parent wants the best for his or her child and genetic engineering can provide some of those wants by transferring genes. In the future if genetic engineering is proposed, I for one would surely want to make my child into someone with a high IQ level, and I know many people would do the same too. Most parents take their children to piano lessons or swimming lessons and/or even pay for a school tutor, but if one could insert that one gene think about all the time and money one could save. I mean it is not like we re not transferring genes right now; take vegetables as an example. Most scientist or farmers breed plants which consist of special genes for better results, and until this day they are sold across North America. Genetically transferring genes in humans instead of plants could help the economy as well as the environment. Who knows? A junior Einstein could find a solution on how to protect the ozone layer.

Genetic Engineering is another great way to prevent humans from getting diseases. Scientists are getting closer and closer in finding a gene that could protect people from getting a deadly disease. Just think about those people who have experienced the loss of their child or loved one due to cancer or a disability ; however, Genetic Engineering can help stop that situation from occurring over and over again. Genetics diseases such as Parkinson and Down Syndrome can be diagnosed in the womb and cured then and there with new and powerful gene manipulation techniques (Dickinson 357). Scientists are always searching for cures and treatments, yet if we have a gene which acts as a cure and treatment than why can t we accept genetic engineering. People with disabilities do not have to suffer from feeling isolated, dwarves could get an extra gene which can help them grow.

By using genetic engineering one can easily create a child before birth, and prevent any future illnesses. For those who are planning to have children or those that are concerned about a disease that has played a role in family history, Genetic engineering will be very beneficial .

People that oppose genetic engineering feel that scientist are trying to play god by choosing the genetic destiny of humans. With any technology there are benefits and risks, this is an undeniable fact of life. Genetic engineering can be used to harm people just as a car can be used to hit someone. Automobiles were not created for vehicular manslaughter and genetic engineering was not created to harm people, both were made to help humankind.

In 1982 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the first time the medical use of a recombinant DNA protein, the hormone insulin, which had been cloned in large quantities by inserting the human insulin gene in Escherichia coli bacteria. Previously, this hormone, used by insulin-dependent people with diabetes, had been available only in limited quantities from hogs. (Encarta 99).

Whether one is prepared or not genetic engineering will be a major part in the future. We are at the beginning of a new era, we can choose to shun this new and powerful biotechnology or we can support it and see what monumental changes it can bring.