Medical genetics

On Point Interview Review The interview between Tom Ashbrook and his guest Kevin Esvelt, a Harvard Medical School graduate with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, enlightens society on the many developing ways in which scientists can change evolution within the ecosystem. This being said, gene technology is stated as the range of tests involved with comprehending gene expressions, acquiring genetic variation, and being able to modify genes to result in being able to transfer those genes to a new host.…

B. PUBLIC INTEREST EXCEPTION An exception to the common law duty of confidentiality permits disclosure of information where to do so is in the public interest. There have been no reported New Zealand or Australian cases in which disclosure of genetic information to at-risk relatives has been considered. While the public interest exception is notable for its flexibility, existing case law suggests that it is very unlikely the exception would be expanded in this instance. First, disclosure must…

Gene editing is the alteration of genes in germ cells which become either sperm or eggs and are inheritable to future generations. Genetic editing has been used in agriculture to enhance crops, it is now being explored in humans too. This technology could potentially eradicate genetic diseases and prevent future generations from passing it on. Gene editing is done through the CRISPR-Cas9 system, where the embryo is edited to the desired outcome. It identifies and attacks the viral DNA and then…

Irrational Fear of Chemicals Genetic engineering could sustain mankind and solve a pile of environmental issues - if only environmentalists would let it. Sometimes, politics gets in the way of logic, and for this reason, there is opposition to the genetic modification of organisms. The accomplishments of those that work on the genetic modification of organisms, especially food crops include the saving of lives, improvement of the environment, and helping solve world hunger. If we give them the…

Krabbe disease Brief description of the disorder: Krabbe disease, a rare genetic degenerative disorder of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is initiated from a lack of galactocerebrosidase, a vital enzyme for myelin metabolism. This disease is one of a group of genetic disorders called the leukodystrophies, which affects the growth of development of the myelin sheath, the fatty substance that insulates and protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The myelin sheath…

In the beginning of the 20th century, the human mind was much more inclined to search for scientific answers to society’s problems by perfecting the human race by applying the laws of genetic heredity. In 1883, Sir Francis Galton, a respected British scientist, first used the term Eugenics, “the study of all agencies under human control which can improve or impair the racial quality of future generations.” He believed that the human race could help direct its future by selectively breeding…

In 2004, the National Health and Medical Research Council (‘NHMRC’) banned sex selection on moral and social grounds, except in the case of a serious genetic condition. However, recent debates in Australia have led the NHMRC to consider the prospect of lifting the life ban. It is inherent in such a culturally diverse society that the public cannot reach one consensus. While some believe that sex selection is unethical for ‘moral’ purposes, others believe that it is an ethical means of hindering…

Medicine: Classifying Data for use in the Clinical Setting In the past 10 years, the area of genetics has undergone a huge transformation, and many discoveries regarding our DNA, genome, and other aspects of our development have been made. The developments of new technologies, which can sequence our entire genetic sequence in very short periods of time, have caused a major influx of data to the medical field. Researchers are now beginning to think about how all of this data should be organized…

What would a world be like if the most basic human freedoms were stripped away from us? For example, what if the act of entering a romantic relationship with another human being was made impossible? Or perhaps reproduction becomes heavily regulated and any hopes of starting a regular family are shattered? Luckily, reality is free of dystopian-esque problems like these. The modern era has lead to advances far beyond computers and smartphones; Science has discovered ways to unlock the secrets of…

Genetics has typically been view as a benefit to society in the aspect of eugenics. Eugenics is defined by Francis Galton as “the study of agencies under social control that improves or impairs the qualities of future generations either physically or mentally”. The statement “improves or impairs” directly correlates to positive and negative eugenics. In the past positive eugenics has been seen through Better Baby and Fitter Familie for Future Fireside contests. These contests were used to…