Friday, November 04, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Changing Genes to Change Lives
During our study of genetics, we will be exploring the ethical issues of genetic testing, disorders, cloning, and biotechnology. Please comment on TWO of the THREE posts below. Remember that everyone can read your thoughts, so make sure they are appropriate and well-written. It is probably a good idea to type your response into Microsoft Word, then simply copy and paste it as your blog comment. Check back to see how the class has responded to what you have to say. Your comments are DUE by Friday, November 4th.
Issue #1: Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Research is highly debated in science, medicine, and even government.
Click below to enter the tutorial on Stem Cells:http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/ (the website has changed so click on a tiny hyperlink at the top of the page that says "they may be archived here."
Spend some time completing the two interactive explorations: What Are Stem Cells? and What Are Some Different Types Of Stem Cells?
You will also want to look through some of the shorter links on the right side of the tutorial: What Is The Goal Of Stem Cell Research?, Stem Cell Therapies Today, and Stem Cell Therapies In The Future.
Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:
1. You read about the different types of stem cells ranging from embryonic to adult. In your opinion, do embryonic stem cells represent human life? Are you ok with the use of some stem cells and not others? Explain.
2. Should the government provide funding for embryonic stem cell research? Should there be laws to regulate stem cell research?
Click below to enter the tutorial on Stem Cells:http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/ (the website has changed so click on a tiny hyperlink at the top of the page that says "they may be archived here."
Spend some time completing the two interactive explorations: What Are Stem Cells? and What Are Some Different Types Of Stem Cells?
You will also want to look through some of the shorter links on the right side of the tutorial: What Is The Goal Of Stem Cell Research?, Stem Cell Therapies Today, and Stem Cell Therapies In The Future.
Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:
1. You read about the different types of stem cells ranging from embryonic to adult. In your opinion, do embryonic stem cells represent human life? Are you ok with the use of some stem cells and not others? Explain.
2. Should the government provide funding for embryonic stem cell research? Should there be laws to regulate stem cell research?
Issue #2: Cloning
Cloning is another hot topic in the news today. Click below to enter the tutorial on Cloning:http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/
Spend some time completing the two interactive explorations: What Is Cloning? and Click and Clone.
You will also want to look through some of the shorter links on the right side of the tutorial: Why Clone?, Cloning Myths, and What Are The Risks Of Cloning?
Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:
1. You read about some of the main reasons for cloning--to study human diseases in animals, cloning stem cells for research, reviving endangered or extinct species, and cloning humans. In your opinion, is cloning ok? Are you ok with some types of cloning and not others? Explain.
2. One of the myths regarding cloning is that clones are carbon copies of the original (when in fact, there are environmental influences that would create major differences.) What is your opinion on the "Nature vs. Nurture" argument? How greatly are we influenced by our genes? By our environments?
Spend some time completing the two interactive explorations: What Is Cloning? and Click and Clone.
You will also want to look through some of the shorter links on the right side of the tutorial: Why Clone?, Cloning Myths, and What Are The Risks Of Cloning?
Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:
1. You read about some of the main reasons for cloning--to study human diseases in animals, cloning stem cells for research, reviving endangered or extinct species, and cloning humans. In your opinion, is cloning ok? Are you ok with some types of cloning and not others? Explain.
2. One of the myths regarding cloning is that clones are carbon copies of the original (when in fact, there are environmental influences that would create major differences.) What is your opinion on the "Nature vs. Nurture" argument? How greatly are we influenced by our genes? By our environments?
Issue #3: Gene Therapy
A final "hot topic" we will consider is Gene Therapy.
Click below to enter the tutorial on Gene Therapy:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/genetherapy/
Spend some time reading through the Learn More links: What Is Gene Therapy?, Choosing Targets For Gene Therapy, and Challenges In Gene Therapy.
If you choose, you can also complete the Interactive Explorations: Tools Of The Trade and Cystic Fibrosis: Case Study.
Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:
1. When should gene therapy be used? Should it be used to treat critically ill patients? Should it be used to treat babies and children?
2. Who should decide what are "good" or "bad" uses of genetic modifications? How do you define "normal" with regard to human beings?
3. Who will have access to gene therapy? Will gene therapy and genetic enhancements create an advantage for those who can afford it?
Click below to enter the tutorial on Gene Therapy:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/genetherapy/
Spend some time reading through the Learn More links: What Is Gene Therapy?, Choosing Targets For Gene Therapy, and Challenges In Gene Therapy.
If you choose, you can also complete the Interactive Explorations: Tools Of The Trade and Cystic Fibrosis: Case Study.
Now that you have some background, please respond to the following questions:
1. When should gene therapy be used? Should it be used to treat critically ill patients? Should it be used to treat babies and children?
2. Who should decide what are "good" or "bad" uses of genetic modifications? How do you define "normal" with regard to human beings?
3. Who will have access to gene therapy? Will gene therapy and genetic enhancements create an advantage for those who can afford it?
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