Morality And The Human Genome Project Essay - 1364 Words

Morality and the Human Genome Project Does the Human Genome Project affect the moral standards of society? Can the information produced by it become a beneficial asset or a moral evil? For example, in a genetic race or class distinction the use of the X chromosome markers can be used for the identification of a persons ethnicity or class (Murphy,34). A seemingly harmless collection of information from the advancement of the Human Genome Project. But, lets assume this information is used to explore ways to deny entry into countries, determine social class, or even who gets preferential treatment. Can the outcome of this information effect the moral standards of a society? The answers to the above and many other†¦show more content†¦The complete set of genes for an organism is called its genome (Congress,3). These traits can be explained due to the inheritance of single or multiple genes affected by factors in the environment (3). Mendel also correctly stated that two copies of every factor exists and that one factor of inheritance could be dominate over another (Gert,3).The next major events of genetic history involved DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA, as a part of genes, was discovered to be a double helix that encodes the blueprints for all living things (Congress,3). DNA was found to be packed into chromosomes, of which 23 pairs existed in each cell of the human body. Furthermore, one chromosome of each pair is donated from each parent. DNA was also found to be made of nucleotide chains made of four bases, commonly represented by A, C, T, and G. Any ordered pair of bases makes a sequence. These sequences are the instructions that produce molecules, proteins, for cellular structure and biochemical functions. In relation, a marker is any location on a chromosome where inheritance can be identified and tracked (202). Markers can be expressed areas of genes (DNA) or some segment of DNA with no known coding function but an inheritance could be traced (3). It is these markers that are used to do genetic mapping. By the use of genetic mapping isolated areas of DNA are used to find if a person has a specific trait, inherentShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Human Genome Project1579 Words   |  7 Pages Does the Human Genome Project effect the moral standards of society? Can the information produced by it become a beneficial asset or a moral evil? For example, X chromosome markers can be used to identify ethnicity. A seemingly harmless collection of information from the Human Genome Project. But lets assume this information is used to explore ways to deny entry into countries, determine social class, or who gets preferential treatment. Whether or not this type of treatment is acceptable to a moralRead MoreThe Controversy Of Eugenics And Genetic Engineering1632 Words   |  7 Pagesfirst director position for the Human Genome Project, an ambitious international research project started in 1990 that sought to map out the entire human genome, until his departure in 1992 (â€Å"A Brief History†). This thirteen-year project ended in the successful mapping of the underestimated 20,500 genes that make up a human’s genome and â€Å"has given the world a resource of detailed information about the structure, organization and function of the complete set of human genes† (â€Å"An Overview†). In modernRead MoreEssay about Genetics In Life1450 Words   |  6 Pages Genetics In Life Genetics is the study of the patterns of inheritance of specific traits (Poretto). This knowledge could be used to alter the course of a future human life. This knowledge could even be used to stop a potentially painful life before it starts. Genetic engineering, like any other science, is a tool. Like any other tool Genetic Engineering is neither inherently positive nor inherently negative. Genetic engineering’s benefits outweigh the potential negatives, and in spite of someRead MoreEscape from Spiderhead by Dr. Abnesti Essay1333 Words   |  6 Pages in regard to the increasing acknowledgment that people have from our nature, and the unpredictable human nature, likewise Dr. Abnesti in the fiction story, Escape from Spiderhead. From my pass readings and experiences, I think that human need to take every step of scientific development extremely seriously. As see from now, people are arguing about the contradiction between science and morality, moreover, that the power scien ce has now is too enough to destroy us already, for instance the nuclearRead MoreDisadvantages Of Genetic Engineering1663 Words   |  7 Pageslimiting genetic diversity, over a period of time. And most significantly the repercussions of genetic engineering are still unknown,† What standards will guide the genetic engineers†, said by Leon Kass, is a question we should be asking. When should humans in the modern world recognize the limit of technological advancements? This is a question only you yourself can answer based on your knowledge, morals, and beliefs. There are many aspects that are part of the consequences of genetic engineeringRead MoreWarfare: An Invention or a Biological Necessity?776 Words   |  3 PagesWarfare: an Invention or Biological? â€Å"Warfare is only an invention, not a biological necessity† - Margaret Mead Instinctivist theories on human aggressiveness often promote the notion that warfare is in the nature of humankind and therefore cannot be prevented. However Margaret Mead eloquently refuted this idea in her renowned essay Warfare: an Invention – Not a Biological Necessity. Mead states, â€Å"War is inevitable unless we change our social system and outlaw classes, the struggle for power, andRead MoreThe Conflict Between Science And Faith1282 Words   |  6 Pagesof living. Francis Collins wrote this book to discuss the issue between these two opposing forces. Francis Collins wrote and divided this book into three sections: Section one: The Chasm Between Science and Faith, Part Two: The Great Questions of Human Existence, and Part Three: Faith in Science, Faith in God. Section one of the book is about the story of Francis Collins’ endeavor towards his new found faith and philosophical debates towards it; ‘It’ being the faith. Collins was raised with an indifferenceRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing2082 Words   |  9 Pages In 2003, the Human Genome Project was completed. The project was an international research effort whose ultimate goal was to sequence the human genome and identify its genes. Upon completion, the Human Genome Project provided a complete sequence of the nearly 3 billion base pairs in the human genome. By essentially creating a blueprint of what makes a healthy human, we know what a normal, un-mutated genome looks like. That being said, genetic testing is now available to essentially anyone. WhileRead MoreAnimal Research And Testing : The Importance Of Animal Testing1441 Words   |  6 PagesAs the human race evolved, intellectual peoples began to realize the necessity of medical advancements for the survival of the species. Scientific idealists would observe the human body to find cures to illnesses, but due to human morality their ability to further the research often became limited. It was essential for scientists to better understand medical related issues, so they started to perform their hypothesized experiments on specific animals. The data recovered led to a discovery thatRead MoreGenetics Human Behavior Essay1351 Words   |  6 PagesGenetics Human Behavior The world of Genetics is one that is both fascinating and interesting. When tackling how genetics plays a role in behavior, one must look within the scope of what genetics is before dealing with how it plays a significant role in one’s behavior. Simply put, genetics is the study of genes. It is a biological component within the entire study of biology itself. Scientists who study genetics and perform research do so with the intent to learn more about

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder The Serotonin and PANDA...

Imagine feeling like a slave in your own body; being forced to do ridiculous rituals and having constant compulsions to do things that you know don’t make sense. This is what it is like to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder [OCD]. In the United States alone, over 2 million people suffer from OCD (Parks, 2011, p.8, para. 3) and almost 1 in 100 children all over the globe (Kadaba, 2002). It affects people of all races, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds (Parks, 2011, p. 8, para. 2) but no one has found the cause of this disorder. Since its discovery and modern conceptualization, there has been an ongoing debate about whether OCD is caused by environmental factors or if it is inherited through genetics. Although there is valid†¦show more content†¦His findings were supported by Thomsen (1994), who found that the brain structure of 24 patients from OCD-like familial structures did not differ substantially from patients with severe mental illnesses. Even though the Adams and Thomsen studies raise a fair point, of all the studies done on the correlation of OCD and families, a majority of them support genetic transmission (Nestadt et al, 2010). Therefore, OCD is more likely to be caused by heredity and genetics than family structures. One of the more compelling theories of the cause of OCD is the serotonin theory. Two different theories based on serotonin are more prominent than the rest. Essau Petermann (2001) explains the theory by stating that OCD is caused from a lack of a chemical substance called serotonin (a neurotransmitter). Their version of the theory is supported by the use of drugs that increase the amount of serotonin in the brain which relieve many symptoms of OCD. On the other hand, Penzel (2000) describes the serotonin theory as a disrupted transmission of serotonin. When the serotonin is being returned to its vesicle chamber, the last step of neural-transmission takes place prematurely, which then causes a brain dysfunction and forms compulsions. Though both serotonin theories do not agree withShow MoreRelatedFlx Case Study6827 Words   |  28 Pagesnet 672 Current Alzheimer Research, 2014, 11, 672-680 Fluoxetine Improves Behavioral Performance by Suppressing the Production of Soluble -Amyloid in APP/PS1 Mice Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Cur- rent approaches for AD treatment only ameliorate symptoms. Therapeutic strategies that target the pathological processes of the disease remain elusive. Fluoxetine (FLX) is one of the most widely used antidepressants

Mythology of Today Free Essays

On the other hand there are many instances that show that Greek mythology still pulses through our veins and in our society; it’s only in a efferent form that what how we normally see the Greek myths. The stories we know from history have strong parallels in the currently worshiped religion of Christianity. There are several tales and characters in Greek myth that can be paired with books and people from Christianity. We will write a custom essay sample on Mythology of Today or any similar topic only for you Order Now First instance is the old Greek god Prometheus; he was the god whom gave us fire and the knowledge needed to allow mankind to grow and survive. When he did this he was then captured by Zeus and persecuted. His punishment was to be nailed to a rock and every day he’d have a giant eagle eat his liver and regenerate at the setting of each ay to do it again. Prometheus sacrificed himself for the well being of mankind. In a way, this character sound much like Jesus in modern day religion. Jesus was nailed to a cross as a sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. Prometheus is not the only one in Greek mythology that can be represented as Jesus, the later added Olympian wine god Dionysus shares some resemblance. Dionysus and Jesus are both the ones who game mankind the gift of wine and encourage a blissful lifestyle. The also both share the archetype of rebirth after death. Dionysus traveled to the underworld to search for his mother homo he never met and didn’t know anything about. He wanted to bring her to Olympus since he was now considered a Olympian god. Dionysus went to the underworld to save a person he didn’t know. Much like how Jesus went to hell after taking on the sins of all the humans on the earth. Then in a sense both Dionysus and Jesus rose up and were reborn from the place of the lowest level of existence. Almost all have heard the Flood story when Noah built a large boat to save himself, his family, and a pair Of all the animals in the world. Well in Greek mythology, there is also a flood story These religions also share the idea of giants and monsters once ruling the earth. In the Greek creation stories there were Cyclopes, Hysterectomies (hundred handlers) and the Titans. In Christianity there is a similar story with giants and large monsters that fight over the power of the world. Not many know of this book from Christian religious text because it was forbidden from the bible: the Book of Enoch. These giants in the bible were called Oenophile; they were half angel, half human, their fathers were renegade angels who fought god in order to help humanity, but in reality only lusted for human women. These beings that sprawled on every corner of the earth. Their appearance was similar to that in the Greek creation story as being these grotesque deformed creatures with great power. In the Book of Enoch, it states that God sent the Flood to dispose of these enormous beings that rivaled in power of god himself, much like how Zeus rivaled his father Crocus or how Crocus rivaled his father Chaos. Not only in common religion is there reminiscence of classical mythologies, they are also advertised, Worn, used, and distributed all over the globe. Almost everyone has used or at least seen an atlas, which was named from he titan that was forced to forever hold the world on his shoulders. Many people have also worn Mike products, the creators named there brand after the Greek god of victory. Then there is the Honda Odyssey and the Volkswagen Goes, named after the ten year long story of Odysseus and the Goddess of Dawn. Our culture even has sayings and terms like the Achilles Heel and having the Midas touch which are famous characters from Greek mythology. There are many more allusions and connections with Greek mythology to our culture. As was shone, Greek mythologies are alive and still a heavy influence on our ultra. Greek terms and names are thrown around everyday even if the meaning is not well known, many have the grand idea without the story behind it. So some people with this knowledge would argue with the belief that mythology is dying out They also are the people who may see the relations between classical mythology and currently worshiped religion. I use to say that mythology is nothing but a forgotten religion, but now I see that its really not all that forgotten. Which is why agree with professor Joseph Campbell when he said that â€Å"Myth is much more important and true than history. How to cite Mythology of Today, Papers