Medical genetics

Nia Jagroop/ ELSI Capstone Essay/ May 2017 The human experience is very complex and our lives are undoubtedly shaped by our environmental input, which may come in the form of knowledge, in this case, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for newborns. As individuals, we have a right to filter the informational input received even from the time of birth from the health care establishment. Our genetic makeup, while profound and revealing, may be so dramatically life altering that some may choose to live without knowing it at all. At this stage, WGS interpretation is still being explored and represents an area of science that the public may be wary about. This leads to the idea of WGS for newborns. Should states adopt universal WGS in addition to standard…

Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy Zachary Uecker Genetic Disease Abstract Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease that targets skeletal muscles and over time, the muscles lose protein and are replaced by fats and connective tissue, making the skeletal muscles unusable. In this paper, the parts of Duchenne’s that will be covered are the method of transmission, statistics about Duchenne’s in the population, the pathophysiology, the body systems…

In light of my qualifications for the Masters Education Program of Genetic Counseling situated at Virginia Commonwealth University, it is significant to understand the spark that lit the conflagration of my interest in the field. Genetics as a whole has proven to be a profound influence on my life until this point, as it has for many others, but contrasted from others in its influence on my mindset and desire to understand the world that surrounds humanity. The questions of why people behave,…

something some people have only dreamed about, but now, it has become a reality. Scientist have discovered a way to alter human genetic traits and produce the perfect offspring. Some traits scientists have tried to alter include sex, eye color, and height, but it is still in the experimenting stage and should be possible within the next few years. Add more. Creating genetically altered babies should be prohibited. Genetically altering babies is still in the testing phase. The testes…

A genetic research advancement enables genetic counselors to obtain information on the specific genes of an embryo. Currently, a test can reveal whether several life-threatening diseases or disabilities, such as Tay-Sachs or Autism, are prevalent in an embryo. As research continues to progress, scientists perceive it will be possible to test for non-disease genes such as intelligence, violence, or memory capability. Therefore, as many couples utilize in vitro fertilization (IVF) to reproduce,…

Genetic modification has been around for many decades, and in the field, progress is made everyday. The definition of genetic modification is as follows, “the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology.” Obviously, anyone can feel an uneasy pit in their stomach after reading that definition, and they should. Just recently, in late April of 2015, Chinese researchers from Sun Yat-sen University reported the first successful modification of a human embryo…

modify and customize the embryo completely and make the perfect child that they wanted and wished for. This process that the couple can do is called genetic modification. Is genetic modification ethical and acceptable to the society. This means that will it be approved and morally correct for everyone. Genetic…

Chinese researchers have engineered the DNA of “non-viable human embryos” hoping to cure a life-threatening blood disorder. Only authorized for use over a 14 day period, these embryos are donated from couples receiving In-Vitro Fertilization which would have otherwise been destroyed2. The United Kingdom, the second country after China to allow genetic modifications of human embryos, is attempting to explain the cause of miscarriages and infertility through genetic engineering6. In 2015, an…

to the widespread research of biotechnology with tampering of the natural order and manipulating it. However, with so many initial benefits and unexplored possibilities it is certainly a topic that is still makes us question our own humanity. Genetic engineering has a future in humanity as it is backed by research, aims to benefit society as a whole, and gives many an opportunity for a healthier standard of living. First, in order to understand what is genetic engineering some background…

Medical professionals are required for all genetic testing, because they are the only ones that can give provide a comprehensive understanding of the raw testing results. Because Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies are relatively new, the government has not set thorough regulations on them, allowing room for some companies to faulty methods and make false claims without providing sufficient evidence. On the other hand, licensed physicians have a fiduciary obligation to use their…