Brave New Genome Article Analysis

The article Brave New Genome is very interesting and raises some very good questions regarding bioethical issues. The articles introduces the topic by giving a brief timeline of events that have taken place in genome mapping over the years. One of the biggest discoveries occurred about ten years ago and scientists found that bacteria cells can be programmed to use DNA to reproduce specific types of genomes. Then in 2013 a scientists Zhang and Church were able to use this information and apply it to animal and human cells. Then next sections of the article discuss how this advancement could be used in therapeutic ways by genetically modifying the genes for diseases such as HIV, blindness, and anemia. As of now, editing the genomes still pose …show more content…
Before editing someone’s DNA it needs to be certain that the procedure is not going to cause any mutations or deformities. Another thing to consider is whether or not genome editing is worth the risk. Anything in science is never going to be a one hundred percent guarantee. There will always be some percentage that an error can happen. Without being able to know exactly what the risks are of having DNA modified, is that a chance worth taking? Third, is it in the best interest of future generations to have genetically modified DNA. If parent’s decide to modify DNA of the children what does that mean for the future? The children who are affected by it will not even have a say because it is the parents that are making the decision for them. If there would be problems because of having genetically modified DNA then that child never had a choice. The parents could potentially force problems onto them that could have been avoided had the DNA been left alone. Finally, it comes down to an issue of ethics deciding whether or not genetically modifying DNA is the right thing to do. There are many questions that need to be asked and answered before opening up such procedures to the