This week instead of having you read an article, I am going to have you watch the following video.
Is genetic engineering science fiction or the new reality? How will DNA technology change what we perceive as "normal?" Is genetic modification going to be the new normal? Do you agree with scientists will usng CRISPR to eliminate genetic diseases and cancer? Will this lead to using genetics to create a more perfect race (Eugenics) or to create a clone army (Star Wars or North Korea using genetics)? If genetic modification becomes a reality what will happen to children that are not genetically modified? What do you think will happen to hiring practices? Will this lead to a new type of discrimination?
In your response, you do not have to answer all of these questions, but I would like for you to address some of them. First watch the video. Then, write a scholarly response about designer babies and genetic engineering. Please make sure that your paragraph has at least five sentences. Use proper capitalization and punctuation. In English, many of you are reading Frankenstein. Can you see parallels between the book and true science? Perhaps I will share your responses with your English teachers. Also you need to respond to at least one of your peers.
I think that genetic engineering is at an incipient stage in our world. The concept itself I find very intriguing but my ethical side is wondering if this is really okay. I think that it will definitely get out of hand if our technology comes too far or if this becomes open to the public. I think that using genetic engineering to cure HIV or cancer is absolutely wonderful, but using this to create a perfect race will just cause problems. This would lead to discrimination against people who aren’t genetically modified, it could lead to odd mutations, and completely wipe out originality. If we start creating the kids that we so desire, our world will become bland and nobody would be praised for their skills because everyone would have them. Humans all have special traits that make them unique and we shouldn’t change that.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the unethical side of this. Not everyone is going to agree to do the right thing with genetically engineering so it's scary to think what bad people could do with it
DeleteI agree with you that it's wonderful it could solve cancer, but will lead to problems like discrimination
DeleteI agree that people should have their own special traits and i also fear that people could be discriminated against. I also agree with what you said all people being foolproof and the world becoming boring.
DeleteI agree with you because their are plenty of benefits to genetic engineering but also people who aren't genetically crafted to be perfect will be seen as inferior and discriminated against.
DeleteI agree this will get out of hand and then people who are genetically modified are going to see others who aren't as not "normal" and will see them differently.
DeleteI agree that people being modified would result in discrimination. I also agree with what you said about the world being bland if everyone was given a bunch of talents.
DeleteGenetic engineering is the new reality and has the power to change science as we know it and solve thousands of problems. CRISPR is changing sciences and doing revolutionary things like expanding the normal years to live, and curing diseases like cancer. This has the possibility to be our new normal if everyone is on board with it. I do agree with scientists using CRISPR to eliminate genetic diseases and cancer because it can save so many lives. There has been a lot of cancer in my family and with CRISPR,it’s amazing to think about how that could be ended. The downside of this is that it could lead to discrimination of people who aren’t genetically modified, because they will be looked at as different and not as good as everyone else who was. This connects to the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley because Victor is like the scientists who are trying to create life and change science. Victor creates the monster, and though an amazing creature, gets discriminates, and that’s what could happen to genetically modified people.
ReplyDeleteI love how you only focused on the positives about genetic engineering! Curing cancer would be awesome!
DeleteGenetic engineering is the new reality as it can only advance from the stage it is already in, and people will want to further advance it as it has the ability to drastically improve all people's lives.
ReplyDeleteDNA technology will change what we see as normal by gradually making it seem like modifying oneself or child is okay as it is used to help those people, making modifying humans normal. I feel that using CRISPR to eliminate genetic diseases is a great thing, but I also feel that in some way there is more behind it than just curing a disease, like maybe leading to more complications, but if there is no complications and only good comes from the elimination of a disease then I agree with using CRISPR. I don’t know if the Eugenics would be used to create a clone army like the one in Star Wars, but it could be a possibility as war will always occur. Clones in Star Wars were created because a Jedi named Sifo-Dyas saw a war in the future that would ravage the galaxy, so he created the clones to try to keep peace in the Galactic Republic. This worked well for a while, but there were many issues, like the clones shouldn’t have been created by the Kaminoans as they were known to severely discriminate their own race, the people (aliens) that use Eugenics shouldn’t be discriminatory but should care for all. To stick to the Star Wars analogy discrimination could definitely come with eugenics, as an order, named Order 66 occurred, and resulted in the discrimination of all Jedi and the mass extermination of them. Clones were the ones who carried out the extermination but it was because of the Sith Lords who planted bio-chips that took over the clones. Overall I do not agree with Eugenics as more than likely it will get into the wrong hands and only lead to more complications like the discrimination of those considered inferior in any sense.
I totally agree with you on the issues of genetic engineering, and how we should use it. Eliminating disease would greatly benefit humanity, but genetically modifying armies is definitely the wrong way to go. Because the Jedi did not foresee their own ruin, almost every single Jedi was destroyed by the clone army. Not overseeing and carefully taking care of the genetic process could lead in mistakes like order 66, which ended up losing the Republic the war in a matter of seconds.
DeleteGenetic engineering is a very complex system. I think it’s interesting that bacteria has already been modifying genes before it was even an idea. Scientists are trying to genetically prevent diseases or even eliminate them to stop people from suffering. Eliminating diseases and cancer is a very exciting thing, but I just have an issue with the fact that there will be no more population control. I know it’s morbid, but we are already pretty crowded. If we figure out a way to genetically change embryos, the world will start to be boring because people are going to make their kids perfect at sports or have advanced intelligence, we won’t have to develop skills anymore and that’s no fun. Scientists are trying to prevent aging too so we can live for a thousands more years with our families.We won’t live in the moment anymore if we know we have so much time to spare. Eliminating diseases and cancer is a very exciting thing, but I just have an issue with the fact that there will be no more population control. I know it’s morbid, but we are already pretty crowded. I don’t really like the thought of genetically engineering because even though scientists have good intentions, they only think about the pros and not the cons of diving into this unknown territory.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about population control!This technology could lead to something that is not such a good idea. I hope these scientists are aware of what could happen and take precautions.
DeleteGenetic Engineering
ReplyDeleteGenetic Engineering is a new reality that is coming about quickly. From terminating diseases like cancer to slowing the aging process, there are endless possibilities that come with it. With these possibilities come the controversy. Making “designer” babies is a new technology that will allow use to design our children. Today we can do that to a certain extent with genetic testing that allows families to know if their children have disorders like down syndrome. I have two concerns with designer babies. One being the pressure potentially put on parents to either design or to not design their children. My other concern is that parents will begin to terminate pregnancies for the smallest “flaw” in the child. If we start having a perfect race then flaws like short stature or thin hair could be seen as big. I agree with using CRISPR for devastating diseases, but I’m not sold on slowing the aging process. We have to think about environmental impacts on choices like this. Instead of prolonging the life of humans right now, we should first prolong the life of this planet.
I didn't even think of the idea that parents could terminate the pregnancy because of a flaw the child possesses. My concern is that we will be creating a new form of discrimination between designed children and non-designed.
DeleteI believe that genetic engineering will at one point become normal. Many people did not expect advanced technology like phones, and computers to exist. They came sooner than anyone had expected. We are kind of in the same situation now, where we don't think it will be coming. The truth is, these things may be coming sooner than you think. I feel as though, if genetic modification becomes normal people who are not genetically modified may be seen as out casts. I believe that every one has there problems. To try and make every one perfect, seems kind of shallow. DNA modification is always changing what we may see as normal. Normal for us, is that no one is perfect. One day, normal could be that everyone is perfect. Personally, I think that designer babies should not be allowed. Its one thing, to cure horrible diseases, or prevent disabilities, but I don't think it right to make a perfect baby. I think that people need to accept each other for who they are. They need to realize that it does not matter whether a person is perfect. I also believe that while having designer babies is not right, other forms of genetic engineering should be explored. Genetic engineer could lead to countless groundbreaking discoveries. It could end a multitude of disease, as well as cure other problems like world hunger/ obesity. I think that humans really need to look into this field.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your opinions and statements. It is crazy what is happening yet, it is really interesting to see all of the advances we are making as a country.
DeleteI think that genetic engineering is the new reality even though it may scare people it could potentially solve millions of our worst problems. In the future i think that genetic modification will be the new normal. One think that i am worried about is in the future if you weren't genetically modified you might be discriminated against. For example in the movie "Divergent" if you divergent, different than everyone else, everyone would stay away from you and the government would try to get rid of you, but let's hope that does happen. I do agree that scientists should use CRISPR to eliminate diseases such as HIV or cancer but that is it. I don't think that scientist should use CRISPR to create a perfect race because our flaws make us human. If we are all perfect there is no point in living, you won't have the strive to get better, smarter, or stronger because you will already be perfect. So i think that we should use CRISPR but only in humane ways and not to change who people are; let humans chose their own character traits.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you think and you made a valid point when you said that genetic modification may scare people but potentially solve millions of our worst problems.
DeleteAfter watching Genetic Engineering Will Change Everything Forever for this week’s blog post, I’ve learned several new things about how genetic engineering can positively affect the human race. Genetic engineering has the potential to become a new reality and solve problems not only pertaining to the world of science but humanity. Although genetic engineering has the ability to resolve many of our problems faced by millions today, I think this evolutionary science may result in more harm than good. The thought of CRISPER having the ability to eliminate genetic diseases and cancer would be absolutely terrific because according to National Cancer Institute cancer is the one of the leading causes of death and about roughly 595,690 people died from cancer in 2016. As cancer has invaded many families across the nation, an end to this disease would mean a family wouldn’t be devastated by a lost of a loved one. As far as delaying aging, the rational side of me thinks risk of overpopulation and the earth’s ability to sustain that many people at once. Countries are already facing issues of overpopulation and maintaining sustainable resources. I fear for future generations and the amount of discrimination and hatred towards others that will be established in addition due to genetic engineering. As of today we are discriminated against because of our race, our nationality, our ethnicity, how much money we have, where we live, what kind of car we drive, what we wear, who we associate ourselves with, our occupation, if you’re smart, if you’re athletic and so much more. As a society we judge people we don’t even know based on our first impression of what they are instead of who they are. These ideas of what people should be will be magnituded when scientist begin to genetically modify offspring by the thousands leaving some who are not to be constantly judge because they are ordinary human beings.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering is the future. Although it is already used today in some things, most of it is just waiting to be discovered and applied to our world. From eradicating diseases to making the perfect child, there is so much behind genetic engineering. Of course this is very interesting, and in some ways I support the further development of this. On the other hand, it seems as though people are trying to play God. If this really does become our future, how far do you think people will take and use this till they’re happy and satisfied? Yes, the concept sounds great and would benefit us in many ways, the eradication of incurable diseases? Who could say no, it would save countless lives. But there’s always going to be at least one person that takes it way too far. In the future if we really will be able to modify humans like that, will we even be human anymore? If everyone is made smart then being smart won’t be special anymore, and after that people will probably do anything to stand out which could lead to many other problems. And what about the people that decide not to have any genetic modifications? Discrimination will never be eradicated no matter people try to do, and with genetically modified humans it could open up a whole new branch of it. Being “normal” would no longer be normal and who knows what “normal” will even be.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I think people will get so caught up with making the perfect child that they'll forget what makes people unique. Everyone will be practically the same, no one will have any idividuality.
DeleteI agree, plus if you think about it, it might get to the point where people no matter what they do to their children's genes they will keep seeing things that are considered "not to standard". Let's face it, it'll get to the point where people will keep seeing the things that they want fixed and all we can say is "when will it ever end?". The answer seems so simple, it won't.
DeleteAfter watching this video, my mind has opened up to all of the new opportunities that genetic engineering can achieve. As the future approaches, our technology is only getting more advanced, soon we may be able to do things such and customizing our child, or maybe even finding a cure to deadly diseases such as cancer. In my opinion, I think the making of a “perfect” person will be overused, and eventually if you weren't “perfect” you would be an outsider and it could lead to bullying and discrimination. The great thing about the human race is that we are all unique in our own ways, but that would be taken away once you can choose every little thing about you. The good thing that could come out of genetic engineering is the prevention of diseases that run in the family or mutations such as Down's syndrome. Genetic engineering is a very positive thing and as our technology is increased, will have a major effect on our future.
ReplyDeleteAlthough many people may be intimidated by it, genetic engineering is a new reality and slowly but surely affecting the world as we know it. There aren't any true answers, but if things are going the way they are then genetic engineering has the potential to be the new normal. The problem with that is for example, if all babies are genetically altered to be perfect then we are on the path to create the "perfect" or "ideal" race which isn't good because the children who weren't genetically modified to be perfect will be seen as inferior to everyone else. The idea genetically modifying humans correlates with the themes of the book Frankenstein. In the story, Victor uses science to come up with the elixir of life and cheat death and it has negative consequences. Essentially, that is what humans are on track to doing and it may have some positive benefits but I believe we should just let nature run its course and stop trying to use science to cheat the natural ways of life.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it kind of scary how much potential genetic engineering has? I definately agree that these advancements have drawbacks and emotional disadvantages.
DeleteI believe that genetic engineering could possibly be the new reality. This can completely change what we view today as normal and I feel like everybody will expect everyone else to be perfect. What if there was a mishap when “messing around” and trying to change people’s genes. I don’t think that purposefully changing somebody’s traits is right and it can lead people to think that their parents wouldn’t like them if they were any different or maybe that their parents did or didn’t want them to look or seem like everybody else. This could create a more “perfect” race but then what’s so great about it. Everybody wants their kids to be the strongest or the best and then everyone is messing with the natural science behind it. If this becomes the new normal then children that are not genetically modified could be seen as different or not as good as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about what would happen if things got messed up if they are going to genetic engineer people for fun! I agree that this is just messing around with the natural science behind the evolution of humans.
DeleteI agree with you on how people shouldn't have the qualities that make them theirselves. Also how it would be a totally different world and society if this does become a reality.
DeleteI feel that genetic engineering would be a huge step in our society. Whether it be for better or for worse is the decision we will have to make. There are many pros and cons. It would help us fight with cancer and other diseases. Which would then make our economy wealthier. We wouldn't have to pay as much tax dollars and each person that is now fighting off cancer wouldn't have had to pay as much if they had had this option. There are also some cons such as some places and people might use this new invention with the wrong intentions and make soldiers with it or just mis-use it, and what’s its purpose is supposed to be. What is left of the babies that aren’t getting modified? Are they the “normal babies” or the “unfortunate babies” because they aren’t getting engineered to be the best they can. Everything that we do is what makes us individuals and makes us unique. If we start choosing we aren’t gonna “be us” for us we are gonna be “us” for what they made us to be. Hopefully it won't be the new normal. It will be the “help”, our baby has the potential to have autism and we didn’t want that. I believe it will cause a lot of problems in our society.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering is the new reality and things are advancing quickly. I think it will be amazing if CRISPR really becomes a thing and they really put it to work. Although, if our society takes advantage of genetically engineering humans, it will create problems. Some will think it is unfair if they have not been genetically engineered. If this new idea really works, I think they should create laws to keep it under control and make sure it is only used on those who are sick or desperately need it...not just for fun. If we start to genetically engineer babies to make them perfect...all the kids will grow up to be the same and our world will start to become a world where no one has their own personalities and special factors that makes them, them. I am for the CRISPR engineering to cure diseases but I don't know about all of the other special effects you can do with it.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! Creating laws to keep genetic engineering under control could be the solution of having our society not overtake genetically engineering their baby.
DeleteI agree with you in that I'm for CRISPR, and I too am against the extra human editing. I also think it can create bigger problems in society with a return of segregation.
DeleteWith the ever changing world of technology, particularly in the world of DNA and science, people that cease to have problems will become what we consider normal. People will no longer have problems and for kids who are not genetically modified will become the target of hate and discrimination. The use of CRISPR to rid the world of horrible diseases like cancer and HIV sounds like a fantastic idea, we will finally have the answers that people have been searching for, but where do we stop? Do we stop after all of the diseases have been fixed or do we stop until every kid that is born is born without flaw? Like every breakthrough in the science world or even the world of technology there are consequences. People need to seriously consider what it is that such powerful technology should be used for. It could be used to solve problems that people have been trying to solve for their entire careers, like the cure for cancer, however it shouldn’t be use to “better” people.
ReplyDeleteThough hard to believe, genetic engineering is becoming a part of this age of technology. The video for this week’s blog post gave the example of how far we have come with computers since the 1970’s, and that back then, our modern day computers would have seemed like science fiction. Just like computers, our knowledge and abilities with genetic engineering are rapidly growing, making it a new reality. Our curiosity with this topic has been around for thousands of years when we bred species to become ideal, but we never quite knew how it worked. With CRISPR, genetically modifying cells is no longer astronomically expensive, experimenting takes much less time, and anyone with a laboratory. This one advancement has the potential to “change humanity forever”; for example, it was used to remove HIV cells and can easily locate cancer cells to remove them, too. Can you even imagine the world with no cancer? Millions of dollars being used for treatment would be saved, along with countless lives. CRISPR can also correct defects in DNA by fixing the wrong bases; and in doing so, can cure genetic diseases. In addition to saving lives, these genetic advancements can design lives. Babies’ DNA can be arranged to be immune to diseases that run in their family. There is practically no limit to what CRISPR can do- and it doesn’t only have benefits. What if armies use this to genetically design unstoppable soldiers? What if genetic engineering becomes the normal, and everyone has the same traits? This is where I find parallels to the novel, Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein’s goal was to create a superior race that would worship him. However, in only creating one being, he came across many deadly consequences from his irrational decision. Similar to the themes of Frankenstein, if we use CRISPR for good and make wise and unselfish decisions with it, then it will be revolutionary.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. This is an amazing scientific breakthrough but Frankenstein shows that we need to be wise about what we will use it for. If done properly this science could definitely be revolutionary. I think its crazy and exciting that at some point this science could become as common and developed as the modern computer.
DeleteI liked how you used Frankenstein to show the potential dangers of genetic engineering, it was a very interesting way of putting it.
DeleteI agree with you and really liked how you used the themes of Frankenstein to compare modern-day genetic engineering.
DeleteI definitely think that genetic engineering is the new reality, even though it might be hard to believe. I cannot believe that as humans we have come this far to be able to altar DNA. Amazing! Its is also amazing that we have come from a huge, boxy computer to cell phones. I like how scientists can use CRISPR to prevent diseases. But I don't like how people can make a "super child" by altering their DNA. I would want my kid to be natural. I don't want anybody touching it at all. The un-altared kids would totally get picked on by the kids who were altered, and thats not right. Being God isn't a game to be played. Babies should be made by the old fashion way forever and ever. But I do like the idea of helping people with diseases like cancer and other thing. It would save everybody lots of money rather than going through countless surgeries and other things.
ReplyDeleteI think that genetic engineering is going to be a big hit. I am not that interested in it though. Even though it may be a very cool thing I think that people are going to take it too far in the end and create something that should not be open to the public. I think that genetic modification will be something that certain kids get and it will be a very cool thing to have but after a while it won’t be as cool. If there are children who are going to be genetically modified and some who aren’t, I think that the kids who don’t get genetically modified may feel differently about themselves and they may feel like they are inferior to the kids that are genetically modified.
ReplyDeleteI also think that kids who aren't genetically engineered in a world full of designer babies will feel inferior and they'd definitely have a disadvantage in life.
DeleteGenetic engineering is become more and more popular and has potential to completely shift science as we know it. It allows you to terminate deadly disease, slow the aging process, or design your own child’s characteristics. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this new technology. On one hand, it can be used to help cure diseases like HIV and cancer, saving thousands of lives, while on the other, it creates a world filled with “perfectly” designed humans. If designing your baby becomes the new “normal”, we will be faced with a new kind of discrimination, where children that were designed will seem less than the ones that were. I think we should use CRISPR for curing diseases, but we have to be aware of the ethics involved, and not take this technology too far.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this technology needs to be used carefully because of people using it for recreational use.
DeleteI think genetic engineering has come a long way and will continue to go a long way. Eventually I do think that genetic engineering will become a reality. The idea of CRISPER can become overwhelming but when you take a step back, you can realize what a great opportunity it is in the medical world like having the ability to cure all these diseases and unwanted mutations. DNA technology will change the perception to normal by “perfect” being the new normal because people will want to make their kids ( the next generation) “perfect”. Unfortunately if genetic modification does go through those children who don't have that done to them they will become outsiders to society, which once that happens it stirs up arguments between what right and what's wrong. That argument is going on now as well, which is why scientist are hesitant to jump into things.
ReplyDeleteI echo your sentiments on the great opportunities CRISPR brings to curing disease. And likewise, am leery of "perfect" being the new normal. I'm glad scientists are somewhat hesitant to jump into things -- shows they are considerate of the social implications genetic engineering presents.
DeleteI'm not going to lie, this topic freaks me out a bit. To see that we are so close to genetic engineering and to see that genetic engineering could actually occur in the next ten to twenty years is freaky. Throughout the video I was against the thought of using this tedious process, but then I thought about all the children dying everyday from cancer. There is no black and white when it comes to this topic because yes messing with genetics can save people and help us, but it can also turn into a huge mistake. If we manage to come up with the "recipe" for immortality and create children that are considered normal when they've been engineered, then what will happen to those who don't? Will they be forced to change their ways and start engineering or will they be discriminated? I just doesn't seem ethical. I didn't realize how long we've been messing around with engineering, it's seems crazy we've made it to this point. And what's to say that when we're doing experiments that we don't "flip the switch" on a new disease or issue that we don't know how to fix or deal with? We must proceed with caution and try to remember the reason as to why we started these experiments in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. The thought of genetic engineering can be scary and should be handled with caution.
DeleteI agree that it's very freaky and that it isn't a simple concept. I can definitely see how it can be viewed as unethical.
DeleteThe discovery of CRISPR is truly an amazing breakthrough in science. Although there are many serious issues with genetic engineering I think the possible good outcomes outweigh the bad ones. Curing diseases like cancer or HIV is certainly a goal that people should do anything thing they can to succeed at because these disease cause lots of pain and suffering. I think genetic modification will likely become very popular if it does work as intended, especially to cure harmful diseases. I think that people should know not to abuse this power and act as god, but if it is abused there will certainly more people against it than for it. I could definitely see this leading to dsiscrimination such as unmodified people calling others unnatural or mutants and modified people calling the others weak or not good enough. The idea of designer babies is very similar to the creation of the monster in Frankenstein which brings up the idea that similarly to the monster, genetically modified people could be viewed as monsters or unnatural. I think that scientist should do all they can to advance this breakthrough without going too far.
ReplyDeleteI agree that although this could be a breakthrough in science, it could also lead to social issues.
DeleteI also think that there would be a lot of problems between "designer babies" and kids who aren't "designed". Discrimination in this way would have to be addressed when we get to that point.
DeleteI agree. I believe Crispr should be used to cure diseases in babies and people but not used for designer babies.
DeleteIt is now abundantly clear that genetic engineering is no longer science fiction. Genetic engineering is not brand new, but it has never been used on a large scale on humans. Genetic Engineering comes with amazing, groundbreaking benefits such as potentially curing things like HIV and cancer. In these situations genetic engineering is almost harmless and an amazing tool that humans could use to save and better lives. However, genetic engineering could also be used to create a perfect or master race. This could create all sorts of new prejudices in today’s society. An example of this in history is obviously the Holocaust. Personally I think it is a little scary to think that a technology exists that would make it easier to make a master race. Overall, I believe that genetic engineering could be an incredible tool that could be used to better humanity, however we absolutely have to be careful about exactly what we use it for.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering is definitely a reality, and who knows what can happen in the next 10-20 years. The new normal of people throughout the U.S., maybe even the world, won't be the same anymore. The normal in the future is what we consider perfect now. I have many different opinions about Genetic Engineering. I think that it can be very great, when it´s getting rid of cancer and genetic mutations, such as Down's syndrome and Klinefelter´s. However, on the contrary, the idea of North Korea creating the perfect ¨Super Soldiers¨ really concerns me. This can also leads to a new race or even a new species. I can relate this a lot to Frankenstein because Victor ¨genetically modifies¨ a creature, which we are reading right now in English. This is almost the first genetically modified person ever, even though fictional, but it still resembles the idea of what many researchers and scientists are trying to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a lot of amazing things that could come out of genetic engineering, and yeah the "super soldiers" are definitely a scary thing to think about.
DeleteI believe genetic engineering is the new reality because just as people years ago thought that technology we actually have today was science fiction, ideas we have today will become reality in the future. DNA technology will change what we perceive as normal because as genetic abnormalities disappear, the human population will continue to become more and more similar. I think genetic modification will become the new normal because if one person can insure that their child will be healthy, strong, and smart, everyone will get on board to want that for their child. I think scientists should use CRISPR because they can prevent death and suffering which is a good thing for society. Sadly I think that the use of CRISPR will get taken advantage of by powerful people who lack morals which could lead to a clone army. I think children who are not genetically modified will be isolated and bullied by society. “More perfect” humans will feel superior to unmodified humans and cause them harm. This unfortunately could be the cause for another situation of segregation in our society. Employers will want the smarter, healthier, stronger people because they will be a more productive workforce. So, while the benefits of genetic engineering are great for preventing diseases, etc., there needs to be careful regulation as to its use in order to maintain a civil society.
ReplyDeleteI think genetic engineering is on its way to becoming the future for our people. The use of new DNA technology if going to severely change the way of what we perceive as normal. When genetic engineering is the new "norm" and considered appropriate to use for normal parts of our current life it will be considered weird and unnatural to have to wear glasses, to be short, or to be too tall, effecting the mental state of the people who have not been genetically modified. I believe that using CRISPR to eliminate genetic diseases and cancer is a perfectly responsible and respectable use of this due to the deathly affects this can have on a person. Although CRISPR could be used to it should be permitted to use it to enhance the seemingly normal, natural and very common differences between each person. Using CRISPR to attempt to create a Eugenic race will lead to an extreme discrimination against those who are not genetically modified. CRISPR should be used to help those diseases and genetic defects but it should be used with extreme caution so that it can not be used to create a more perfect race.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering is becoming a reality for the future. We have the capability of doing it, it's just a matter of whether or not people are ready for it. Although the idea of getting rid of genetic mutations and chromosomal mutations sound great, the idea of designer babies scare me. Like the video said, it would just be the norm for people to create the "perfect" child. Those who aren't designer babies would be outcasts and being genetically modified would just be a standard of society. In my opinion people weren't meant to be perfect, but I also think that if you have the ability and opportunity to fix something that disables your child in any way you should do it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that kids who weren't designed would be outcasted,but also that genetic engineering could be beneficial as far as fixing abnormalities.
DeleteI completely agree. designing the perfect baby or person will be accepted and anyone who's not perfect will live with the other geneticlly imperfect. when we were created we were not meant to be exactly the same, we were supposed to be different so that life would always be interesting. if there was something wrong with your child you should fix it, but not change them.
DeleteI completely agree with how you said that designer babies would become the "norm". With this potential, even parents may be shamed for not making their kids perfect.
DeleteWhile I had some knowledge of genetics tinkering, watching this video opened my eyes and mind to the powerful and ever-growing presence of genetic engineering in today’s world. The use of such engineering to potentially wipe out cancer and thousands of other diseases/health concerns leaves me hopeful and a proponent of this technology. Statistics show that nearly 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime (National Cancer Institute, 2016). The success of genetic engineering to wipe out cancer would be far-reaching. And that’s just cancer in the US. Think of all the diseases afflicting people worldwide. Far-reaching to say the least. Looking at the future and potential genetic engineering can bring to the world of ‘designer babies’, leaves me less eager to be a proponent of such engineering for this purpose. While perfect health would be an ideal for our babies/children, our uniqueness is a powerful force in our world. We each bring to the world our unique set of abilities and talents that fill a world of an equally diverse and unique set of needs. Have us all the same, and many of the world’s needs will be unmet or at an inferior level. Genetic engineering, oh the powerful role it will play in our future. Hopefully ethics will play an equally powerful role and keep in check the intent and social responsibilities that come with such genetic tinkering.
ReplyDeleteI was very intrigued to hear about CRISPR and what it can do for genetic engineering and modifying. I feel it can really become the future in this field considering that it's more cost effective and it that it can be used on live cells. While I do think there can questionable aspects to CRISPR it was really huge to hear that it was used successfully to kill the HIV virus in a human. It was insane to hear the statistics they pulled from the experiment scientists did on rats that had almost 100% of the HIV virus in their cells. Scientists were able to remove almost 50%of the virus. It was also said that CRISPR could possibly get rid of cancer, one of our real biggest threats. While I don't think CRISPR should be used to clone people and other things of that nature I do believe that some good could come from it in terms of getting rid of diseases.
ReplyDeleteI also think that there are questionable aspects of CRISPR. Its remarkable to see the things CRISPR can do and geneticlly engineer.
DeleteI agree that this will be good for curing diseases.
DeleteGenetic engineering is now becoming a reality for us. This will change someone many things for us in the future. Which I think is pretty scary because with this new technology you can almost be able to create a perfect human. I definitely think it's alright to use crispr to help get rid of disease but I do not think it is alright to create a kid the way you want. The problem with giving people the choice of being able to get rid of disease I think will cause more problems. Once they do that then they might think why stop there why not give your kid great eyesight or make them become really tall or strong. So if this is released to people there definitely should be regulations on how far you can genetically engineer your kid. For the kids that are not genetically modified that could cause them to not feel the same or not as good as the kids that are genetically modified.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting topic and I think that it really shows how far we've come in the world of science. Although "designing babies" doesn't sit right with me, there are definitely benefits to genetically modifying children with abnormalities. By doing so, there wouldn't be as many kids with disadvantages in life like down syndrome, cancer, etc. Designer babies on the other hand, is kind of a scary concept because it would create a new standard of living in generations to come. In a society of designer babies, those who weren't "designed" would be rejected. But overall, this could lead to some great things.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering is becoming more and more realistic and will most likely become the new reality very soon. DNA technology will change what we perceive as normal because we are used to how things have always been such as having children without picking their genes for them. There is already technology to do that, but in the future it may become more common and become the new norm. I think CRISPR is a very intelligent way to change cells to eliminate diseases and cancer. If it actually works and can be proven effective, then I think it would be a great idea to use CRISPR on people because so many lives can be saved. In the future people may take advantage of this technology and figure out an effective cloning technique. I don’t think there will be a perfect race or an evil army, but this genetic engineering’s purpose may evolve to be something larger than it was intended to be. In the future, if genetically engineered children is a reality, than kids who are not will probably be fine. I don’t think we should let this technology interfere with our unique traits and if some of did have traits chosen, then that should not change what we think of them. I hope this doesn’t lead to discrimination. This whole idea of new genetic technology connects to Frankenstein because Victor Frankenstein created new life and that seems to be the goal with scientists today. They are trying to change how life is perceived and created and trying to find the elixir of life.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video, I can safely say that genetic engineering has its ups and downs. First of all, it can possibly cure diseases that could be fatal, such as cancer. Curing cancer could save countless lives, especially since it’s become more and more common to get over the years. However, even with the positive aspects of genetic engineering, there will always be the negatives. Cloning is one of these negatives. I know that it can be used to give a donation to the person that was cloned, but if genetic engineering can do things like cure various diseases, then cloning as a whole is unnecessary and could cause scientists to take it too far.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of CRISPR is very interesting to me, and I think it could benefit a lot of people. There wouldn't be babies born with disadvantages in life like down syndrome or any other abnormality. Designer babies are another deal for me though. I think stuff like that would be too controversial and cause many social issues between those who were genetically modified to be perfect and those who weren't. But again, genetically modifying the parts that is detrimental to their life. This would be a very huge break through in the world of science and I'm curious to see where this could go.
ReplyDeleteI think genetic engineering is the new reality. I think by the time I am an adult it will be in full stride. It will become normal I believe. I also 100% think CRISPR should be used. If doctors and scientist can prevent things like cancer, HIV,genetic defects ect. why not use it? I understand CRISPR brings up a lot of questions about genetic engineering and I think CRISPR should be used to save peoples lives and save them from living a hard life with a genetic defect. However, I do not think they should use it to genetically engineer babies who are supposed to be "normal." I also do not think this will bring along discrimination because how would people be able to tell if you are genetically modified or not? In conclusion I think CRISPR could be a huge step in science and it could be a great tool for the future as lond as it is used properly.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering and designer babies can help people out so much but also hurt them as well. There are many ethical and practical and scientific views about genetic engineering. Ethically, people are afraid that bad people will use this technology to create perfect humans. Practically people would be able to choose and design anything from food to babies. It would make life so much easier because whe would have control over our and others genomes but if the technology is used it has to be used for curing diseases, not creating the perfect army. Genetics are our next big leap in science and we are already half-way through that jump. Eventually we will accept genetics as part of our life but we will take it for granted and be expecting something newer or better than that. If we jump in to genetics it will have all kinds of consequences. We could cure cancer or genetic diseases but we could trigger a complete change in someone's personality or body style. The human genome is like the biggest house of cards ever built, remove one thing and you could have the whole thing collapse, add something and you'll completely change the structure. Scientist have to be careful as they enter this world of genetics.
ReplyDeleteI believe that genetic engineering will be a new reality, but I believe it is very far away. If we can achieve genetic modification, then the new normal will be the people who had improvements made to them as babies. I agree with the scientists using CRISPR to eliminate diseases. It could really help a lot of people in many ways. If we can make the perfect human, then that can lead to a lot of discrimination against non genetically modified people. If enemy countries got their hands on the technology, then that could lead to them making "super soldiers."
ReplyDeleteI thought CRISPR would be very important to the genetic engineering world, because it can cure many diseases and make life a lot better. What I would be afraid of with genetic engineering becoming more mainstream is parents creating their kids and not just giving birth to them if that makes any sense. The bond wouldn't be father-child or mother-child, it'd be more creator creation. But then, what would happen if this tech got into the wrong hands? What if Kim Jon in decided that it was a good idea to breed soldiers that can run twice as fast and for twice as long and be as strong as the hulk, it kind of makes things seem a little more worrisome.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to how the human race will look. Not only does CRISPR mean treating previously incurable diseases, but it also offers the potential to choose what traits our children receive. With all this said the human race’s perception of “normal” will drastically change because the ability to get rid of undesirable characteristics would become a reality, and at this point parents who choose to let nature run its course may be shunned. Society may press new parents to perfect their children. Those who decline to could possibly be seen as denying their children the lives they deserve. People with acne and other visual diseases would be alienated as they’d almost become a rarity, and the opposite could be said for people with dimples and freckles as parents would be more inclined to give their children these traits. In the end I believe that CRISPR is valuable when it comes to preventing/curing diseases, but we should restrain ourselves from physically altering our children as it would open a new age of discrimination.
ReplyDeleteI think that using CRISPR will be useful in stopping genetic disorders.What I am concerned about is that eventually we will start using CRISPR for things that don’t need to be fixed. What I am talking about is that parents could make their babies perfect babies and all the babies would be perfect. I think that you should only be able to do this if your baby has a genetic disorder. I think that CRISPR is going to be a good thing but I am scared about the possibility of parents being able to create perfect babies.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering is certainly a powerful new way to treat illnesses like cancer. But it can also be used for many bad things like cloning or trying to create a superior race. The fact that treatments like CRISPER can cure illness make me wonder how much more advanced medical tech will become in the next few decades. Technology like this has the ability to save thousands of lives.
ReplyDeleteGenetic engineering is on the rise and should be taken advantage of. If there is even a chance that we can cure diseases with Crispr then we should try. However, we should not try to make better children and give them traits that we want them to. That would be abusing our power and not moral. Many people need to realize that just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you but I also believe that some diseases are just not meant to be cured because everybody has to die at some point and curing all diseases would make us immortal and I don't think that is right.
DeleteI was amazed after watching this video about CRISPR. I learned that the work that took a year, now could only take a few weeks and only require a lab. CRISPR helps modify our genes so they attain certain traits (Ex: Stronger immune system). This technology can help completely eradicate diseases like cancer or Huntington's disease. However, another thing we can do with this technology is create a genetically modified person, meaning that we could change their genes to make a baby that we would want. Determining certain traits like eye color, height, or hair color. I don't believe that this is ethically right because the way we are born is what makes us unique. If you are able to change the genes of an embryo, then we would all have perfect people, and the few are not genetically modified due to the choice of their parents are left to a largely unfair disadvantage to those modified. The modified people will most likely be smarter, stronger and overall just better than the rest only because of genetic modification.I believe that if this were to occur, than there should be a limit to what you can change, like you could only fix the genetic deformities or diseases that could possibly occur before birth.
ReplyDeleteThe whole idea of genetic engineering on humans is a devilish act in my opinion because it would be humans playing the role of god in creating perfect life. It is wrong first of all because we are all meant to have flaws that is what makes us special and makes life a challenge. It is also wrong because those who would not have modified babies would not be able to compete with the perfect other children at school which would make the act of genetically modifying children not a choice. Another reason this is wrong is because of the act of making people age slower, this is wrong because we were made to live our lives and then die at a certain age we are not meant to be immortal at some point we are meant to die. I for one would not take a pill to make me immortal because at one point it will be everyone's turn to meet their maker and that is why we should not tamper with nature because we are not god it is not our duty to do this it is his.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that CRISPR should not be used to create "perfect" children or immortality. However i think it would be irresponsible to turn our backs on something that could save and enhance millions of lives. It could eliminate cancer saving millions, or cure downs allowing everyone to love life equally, it could even cure dementia preventing the heartbreak of losing your mind. While it is true CRISPR comes with a lot of risks in this case the benefits far out way the deficits.
DeleteI found this video very interesting and almost unreal. The fact that the human race could be altered forever, either for good or bad, is a little bit frightening but very exciting. Although there are plenty of possible cons, I think that the pros heavily outweigh them. I wonder if when scientists finally make a genetically altered human if they will realize the made a mistake and reject it just like Victor Frankenstein did to his creature. Overall I found this video very interesting and I’m excited to see what happens within the next decade or so.
ReplyDeleteThe CRISPR video was very interesting and scary at the same time. I think that CRISPR has the potential to end all diseases including cancer. I think that the pros of CRISPR though great are outweighed by the cons. I think that if sciencetist figure out how to use CRISPR that soon we will be making perfect children and creating new species. Overall I think that though the idea of using CRISPR is good I feel that it will be overused and turned into a weapon that could mess with the earths ecosystem to a point where it is not recognizable.
ReplyDeleteI truly hope genetic engineering does not become a new normal among society. I do agree with scientists using CRISPR to eradicate genetic-related disease, but to use it to better a perfectly healthy human is wrong. First of all, we simply do not understand enough about genetics to assume nothing will go wrong. It is possible that over time, we could be doing more damage to ourselves than we realize. But on a moral standard alone, parents should not genetically alter their children. First of all, if you alter the very genetics of you child, can you even consider that child to be your biological son or daughter at all? Parents give their genes and traits to their children, but if parents change the genetics they gave to their child using science, then it must mean that science is the third parent of your unnaturally born child. But once the child is born, there are two possible ways society could react: one, to shun the genetically altered child as a freak, or to put pressure on or to even discriminate against those who aren’t genetically altered. Personally, I would not choose to alter my child because believe that God will give me the child I am supposed to have, not a laboratory. In short, I believe science should use CRISPR to save children from diseases, but not use it for the artificial evolving of humans.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with CRISPER as it is a very good idea to help destroy genetic diseases and potential ones too. It proves how far we can come in helping destroy genetic diseases. Depending on how far we’ll go in a certain amount of time, genetic engineering may not be that far in the future. Personally I do not agree with changing your baby unless medical reasons. Too much discrimination and too many parents would want their children to be the superior child. Changing your child to YOUR needs are selfish and gross. You should not change someone, especially your unborn child to suit what you want. I’m totally okay with going into an unborn child's genes and helping them to be healthier and getting rid of those nasty diseases. But in no way should you modify your child to make them physically ‘better’ or ‘smarter’.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with CRISPR. If CRISPR is used to eradicate diseases and cancer then I am all for it. If we misuse and abuse crisper then I disagree with it. It is one of those things that needs to be limited or bad things could happen. If we use CRISPR to get rid of things that aren't needed then it could be used to make a 'perfect' race which if we learned from history and Hitler's ways is the last thing we need. We also need to make sure countries like North Korea don't 'code' babies to be their slave solders made just to fight.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video, I found it very fascinating how we could use CRISPR to do all sorts of cool things. I do feel like it could get out of control though. The video talked about how we can use it to pick the genes we want for our kids and make a "perfect" child. I think this is a cool concept but, if everyone does it then the thought of having a "perfect" child doesn't really even seem unique at all. I also thought it was pretty cool though how we can cure certain diseases with this and maybe even cancer. I'm excited to see where science is going to go, and how this is going to advance in the future. The thought of curing cancer just seems so great and the fact that we are getting closer and closer to it is even better.
ReplyDeleteGenetic Engineering is a good cause, but the unknown consequences of it are what make me disagree with this research. People playing with the standards of life and death is very unethical; however, if we are able to eradicate certain genetic diseases, it would be great for the human race. In Genetic Engineering, there are some lines people should not cross, because of possible consequences. What if a new genetic disease was created? Just like in Frankenstein, what will these genetically modified people be like? How will they act? Our ideas of science fiction are coming closer and closer to reality.
ReplyDeleteI am not against genetically engineered kids if it is to prevent cancer, but only that. When it comes to picking their exact traits just to form a superior human being, I feel it is not ethical.
ReplyDeleteI think it is definitely a good idea to use CRISPR to eradicate diseases like cancer and genetic diseases. However, I think we must tread carefully to prevent the use of such incredible technology from being used incorrectly. It should not be used to boost immune system add intelligence or strength, as it's often said just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done. As someone who has a long history of Dementia in her family meaning I have a ridiculously high chance of contracting it myself, I am delighted by the idea of something that could prevent this disease and hopefully save me from it. I think that if we take careful measures, like creating an agreement across all countries prohibiting the use of things like CRISPR to create a “perfect” species of humans we can all work together to eradicate the world's most debilitating disease like Down's Syndrome, Dementia and Cancer.
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