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TOPICS: Great Genetics Debate
Genetically Modified (GM) Food:. Genetically modified foods boast a wide range of benefits, but are they safe for human consumption? How might they affect the environment? What impact will GM foods have on poorer nations, which are unable to produce them on their own?
Genetically Modified Organisms: Genetically modified organisms can include animals that are not for consumption. Some examples are glow in the dark animals, hypoallergenic pets and even organisms that are used to create different pharmaceuticals. How might they affect the environment? How can they benefit society?
Genetically Modified Humans: On November 25, 2018 a Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, announced that his lab created the first genetically modified human being, from a set of twins, using CRISPR. Should scientist be allowed to genetically modify human embryos? Is there a way of knowing all the implications of modifying one or several gene sequences? What about the descendants of these genetically modified individuals?
DNA Evidence in Court: In 1995, O.J. Simpson was found “not guilty” in the murder of two people. DNA evidence linked O.J. Simpson to murders, but the defense claimed that crime scene samples could have been contaminated or could have been planted as part of a conspiracy against Simpson. How reliable is DNA evidence in court? What level of “certainty” does DNA evidence provide? Are there any instances where DNA evidence should not be allowed? Are there any risks associated with using DNA as evidence in court?
The Human Genome Project: If a doctor was able to see your entire genome, it could lead to earlier detection of disease and better treatment. So, should everyone’s DNA be sequenced at birth and kept in a database? If so, who else should have access to it? Should employers have access if their employees are in jobs in which there is a high risk to others, such as airline pilots? What if your health insurance company (the folks who pay your medical bills) had access to it?
Genetic Testing: Scientists now have the ability to analyze your genome and look for specific traits. In some cases, this is very simple: If you have an extra copy of chromosome 21, you will have Down’s syndrome. But in other cases, it’s not quite as clear-cut. What if a test can only give a probability of developing a disorder? What about other kinds of genetic tests, such as a test to see what kind of sports your child might be good at? How far should we go with genetic testing?
Cloning: Cloning sounds pretty cool, but are there any practical reasons why it should be done? What benefits may arise from cloning animals? What about humans? Should the U.S. fund research into cloning?
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