Drawing the Line: Disability, Genetic Intervention and Bioethics
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Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering: Frankenstein Is Still a Myth, but It Should Be Reread Periodically
Indiana Law Journal Volume 48 Issue 4 Article 2 Summer 1973 Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering: Frankenstein is Still a Myth, but it Should be Reread Periodically George A. Hudock Indiana University - Bloomington Follow this and additional works at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ilj Part of the Genetics and Genomics Commons Recommended Citation Hudock, George A. (1973) "Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering: Frankenstein is Still a Myth, but it Should be Reread Periodically," Indiana Law Journal: Vol. 48 : Iss. 4 , Article 2. Available at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ilj/vol48/iss4/2 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Law School Journals at Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. It has been accepted for inclusion in Indiana Law Journal by an authorized editor of Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. For more information, please contact [email protected]. GENE THERAPY AND GENETIC ENGINEERING: FRANKENSTEIN IS STILL A MYTH, BUT IT SHOULD BE REREAD PERIODICALLY GEORGE A. HUDOCKt Biotechnology and the law are far removed from each other as disciplines of human intellect. Yet the law and my own discipline, genetics, have come together in many courtrooms concerning such matters as paternity, and they will continue to intersect with increasing frequency as the visions of 100 years ago become the reality of today. This article examines the implications of recent research for human genetic therapy and genetic engineering, and suggests some guidelines for legal regulation of genetic technology. The following discussion derives from three premises which I view as basic: (1) that which is currently possible in genetic engineering, and in fact has already been done, is generally underestimated; (2) what may be possible in the near future is quite commonly overesti- mated; (3) regulation of the application of genetic technology is possible and will not be overwhelmingly complicated. -
Eugenics, Biopolitics, and the Challenge of the Techno-Human Condition
Nathan VAN CAMP Redesigning Life The emerging development of genetic enhancement technologies has recently become the focus of a public and philosophical debate between proponents and opponents of a liberal eugenics – that is, the use of Eugenics, Biopolitics, and the Challenge these technologies without any overall direction or governmental control. Inspired by Foucault’s, Agamben’s of the Techno-Human Condition and Esposito’s writings about biopower and biopolitics, Life Redesigning the author sees both positions as equally problematic, as both presuppose the existence of a stable, autonomous subject capable of making decisions concerning the future of human nature, while in the age of genetic technology the nature of this subjectivity shall be less an origin than an effect of such decisions. Bringing together a biopolitical critique of the way this controversial issue has been dealt with in liberal moral and political philosophy with a philosophical analysis of the nature of and the relation between life, politics, and technology, the author sets out to outline the contours of a more responsible engagement with genetic technologies based on the idea that technology is an intrinsic condition of humanity. Nathan VAN CAMP Nathan VAN Philosophy Philosophy Nathan Van Camp is postdoctoral researcher at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. He focuses on continental philosophy, political theory, biopolitics, and critical theory. & Politics ISBN 978-2-87574-281-0 Philosophie & Politique 27 www.peterlang.com P.I.E. Peter Lang Nathan VAN CAMP Redesigning Life The emerging development of genetic enhancement technologies has recently become the focus of a public and philosophical debate between proponents and opponents of a liberal eugenics – that is, the use of Eugenics, Biopolitics, and the Challenge these technologies without any overall direction or governmental control. -
New Techniques of Genetic Engineering
March 2016 New techniques of genetic engineering Why EU GMO law must be fully applied to the so-called ‘New Plant Breeding Techniques’ The European Commission is considering whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that have been produced through a range of new techniques should be excluded from the European Union’s GMO regulations. Biotechnology companies want to apply these techniques to engineer plants and animals for use in industrial food, biomass and biofuel production. They argue that these new methods to directly modify the genetic make-up of living organisms fall outside the scope of EU GMO regulations. This would mean that there is no risk assessment, labelling and monitoring of GM organisms produced by the new techniques and their derived products. The Commission has announced that it will present a legal analysis on the matter by the end of March 2016. The new GMOs present a real risk to the environment and human health. Legal analysis shows that they are covered by EU GMO law. If they were to escape EU regulations, any potential negative effects on food, feed or environmental safety would go unchecked. European consumers, farmers and breeders would have no way to avoid GMOs. The Commission should leave no doubt that all products of genetic engineering are subject to EU GMO law which requires rigorous risk assessment, detectability and labelling. 1 Which techniques are we talking about? The biotechnology industry and the European Commission use the term ‘New Plant Breeding Techniques’ to refer to a diverse set of genetic -
Genetic Engineering & Genetically Modified Organisms
Genetic Engineering & Genetically Modified Organisms: Forming Informed Opinions By Smith, Lisa Scientific Theme(s): Science and Technology *Relationships among science, technology, and society Grade Level(s): 6-8 Lesson Duration: Designed for one 70 minute lesson Overview This lesson provides students an introduction to genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms, and raises student awareness of the potential Bias of availaBle information and the importance of forming informed, defendaBle opinions regarding controversial topics in science. The lesson was designed as an introduction for students to the genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms in preparation for a two-week research project exploring GMO topics, culminating with student presentations giving their opinions on the topics. Objectives Students will: 1. Define the term, ‘Biotechnology’. 2. Understand the difference Between selective Breeding and genetic engineering. 3. Identify different applications of genetic engineering, and recognize that all genetically engineered organisms are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 4. Recognize Bias in print media, and to Be aware of the need to identify sources. 5. Understand the importance of forming informed, defendaBle opinions. Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) Addressed Science as Inquiry and Process [7] SA2.1 identifying and evaluating the sources used to support scientific statements Science and Technology [7] SE1.1 descriBing how puBlic policy affects the student’s life (e.g., puBlic waste disposal) [7] SE3.1 recognizing the effects of a past scientific discovery, invention, or scientific Breakthrough (e.g., DDT, internal comBustion engine) Required BacKground This lesson builds upon concepts covered in previous lessons on DNA, genes, and heredity. Students should have a solid understanding of the Basics of these concepts, including the idea that DNA is the “Blueprint” of life, that genes are coding regions of DNA, and that traits encoded By genes can Be inherited. -
The New Eugenics: Black Hyper-Incarceration and Human Abatement
social sciences $€ £ ¥ Article The New Eugenics: Black Hyper-Incarceration and Human Abatement James C. Oleson Department of Sociology, The University of Auckland, Level 9, HSB Building, 10 Symonds Street, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; [email protected]; Tel.: +64-937-375-99 Academic Editor: Bryan L. Sykes Received: 14 June 2016; Accepted: 20 October 2016; Published: 25 October 2016 Abstract: In the early twentieth century, the eugenics movement exercised considerable influence over domestic US public policy. Positive eugenics encouraged the reproduction of “fit” human specimens while negative eugenics attempted to reduce the reproduction of “unfit” specimens like the “feebleminded” and the criminal. Although eugenics became a taboo concept after World War II, it did not disappear. It was merely repackaged. Incarceration is no longer related to stated eugenic goals, yet incapacitation in prisons still exerts a prophylactic effect on human reproduction. Because minorities are incarcerated in disproportionately high numbers, the prophylactic effect of incarceration affects them most dramatically. In fact, for black males, the effect of hyper-incarceration might be so great as to depress overall reproduction rates. This article identifies some of the legal and extralegal variables that would be relevant for such an analysis and calls for such an investigation. Keywords: eugenics; race; ethnicity; incarceration; prison; prophylactic effect “[W]hen eugenics reincarnates this time, it will not come through the front door, as with Hitler’s Lebensborn project. Instead, it will come by the back door...” ([1], p. x). 1. Introduction At year-end 2014, more than 2.2 million people were incarcerated in US jails and prisons [2], confined at a rate of 698 persons per 100,000 [3]. -
The New Eugenics of Transhumanism: a Feminist Assessment by Nikila Lakshmanan, Paralegal
The New Eugenics of Transhumanism: A Feminist Assessment by Nikila Lakshmanan, Paralegal Abstract Transhumanists are futurists who aim to upgrade the human into a posthuman species by supporting the use of reproductive technologies. The transhumanists Nick Bostrom, John Harris, and Julian Savulescu are bioethics scholars who identify as “new” eugenicists. They disavow the beliefs and practices of the late nineteenth, early twentieth century—here referred to as the “old” eugenics. They claim that contrary to these outdated eugenic principles it is individuals, not governments, who should determine the use of biotechnology. However, the new eugenicists insist that human beings are obligated to pursue the posthuman. In this paper, I contend that the principles of the new eugenic movement are not identical, but still worryingly similar to those of the old eugenics. The individualism of the new eugenics does not change the fact that its implications are strikingly similar to the old eugenic ideal of the able-bodied person. The new eugenicists suggest that the posthuman state aspires for the transcendence of the human body, and the elimination of dependence and chronic pain. Hence, they argue for a moral obligation to use biotechnology to prevent the births of many people with conditions that they consider to be disabilities. The new eugenicists defend their claims by supporting an antiquated medical model of disability that solidifies their connection to the old eugenics, and conflates disability with genetics, disease, and impairment. The feminist disability theorist Melinda Hall has challenged their contentions with a cultural model of disability. This paper will use the feminist disability theorist Jackie Leach Scully’s position on vulnerability to lend support to Hall’s argument. -
Genetic Engineering (3500 Words)
Genetic Engineering (3500 words) Biology Also known as: biotechnology, gene splicing, recombinant DNA technology Anatomy or system affected: All Specialties and related fields: Alternative medicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, dermatology, embryology, ethics, forensic medicine, genetics, pharmacology, preventive medicine Definition: Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology – the buzz words you may have heard often on radio or TV, or read about in featured articles in newspapers or popular magazines. It is a set of techniques that are used to achieve one or more of three goals: to reveal the complex processes of how genes are inherited and expressed, to provide better understanding and effective treatment for various diseases, (particularly genetic disorders) and to generate economic benefits which include improved plants and animals for agriculture, and efficient production of valuable biopharmaceuticals. The characteristics of genetic engineering possess both vast promise and potential threat to human kind. It is an understatement to say that genetic engineering will revolutionize the medicine and agriculture in the 21st future. As this technology unleashes its power to impact our daily life, it will also bring challenges to our ethical system and religious beliefs. Key terms: GENETIC ENGINEERING: the collection of a wide array of techniques that alter the genetic constitution of cells or individuals by selective removal, insertion, or modification of individual genes or gene sets GENE CLONING: the development -
The Moral Dilemma of Genetically Modified Foods (Gmos)
Fordham University Masthead Logo DigitalResearch@Fordham Student Theses 2001-2013 Environmental Studies 2005 The orM al Dilemma of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) Anamarie Beluch Follow this and additional works at: https://fordham.bepress.com/environ_theses Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Beluch, Anamarie, "The orM al Dilemma of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)" (2005). Student Theses 2001-2013. 72. https://fordham.bepress.com/environ_theses/72 This is brought to you for free and open access by the Environmental Studies at DigitalResearch@Fordham. It has been accepted for inclusion in Student Theses 2001-2013 by an authorized administrator of DigitalResearch@Fordham. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Moral Dilemma of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) By Anamarie Beluch Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods that are produced from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. The process of producing a GMO used for genetically modified foods involve taking DNA from one organism, modifying it in a laboratory, and then inserting it into the target organism's genome to produce new and useful genotypes or phenotypes. These techniques are generally known as recombinant DNA technology. In recombinant DNA technology, DNA molecules from different sources are combined in vitro into one molecule to create a new gene. This DNA is then transferred into an organism and causes the expression of modified or novel traits. Such GMOs are generally referred to as transgenic, which means pertaining to or containing a gene or genes from another species. There are other methods of producing a GMO, which include increasing or decreasing the number of copies of a gene already present in the target organism, silencing or removing a particular gene, or modifying the position of a gene within the genome. -
The Trajectories of Eugenics (Doi: 10.1409/90637)
CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Archivio della ricerca- Università di Roma La Sapienza Il Mulino - Rivisteweb Emmanuel Betta The trajectories of eugenics (doi: 10.1409/90637) Contemporanea (ISSN 1127-3070) Fascicolo 3, luglio-settembre 2018 Ente di afferenza: Universit`ala Sapienza di Roma (Uniroma1) Copyright c by Societ`aeditrice il Mulino, Bologna. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Per altre informazioni si veda https://www.rivisteweb.it Licenza d'uso L'articolo `emesso a disposizione dell'utente in licenza per uso esclusivamente privato e personale, senza scopo di lucro e senza fini direttamente o indirettamente commerciali. Salvo quanto espressamente previsto dalla licenza d'uso Rivisteweb, `efatto divieto di riprodurre, trasmettere, distribuire o altrimenti utilizzare l'articolo, per qualsiasi scopo o fine. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. The trajectories of eugenics Emmanuel Betta Eugenics has long been an area of particular interest for research being a complex historical phenomenon, in which science, ideologies, power and policy dynamics intertwine. Studies have mainly focused on the eugenics’ founding stage, ranging between the nineteenth century origins – contained in Galton’s studies and in the dynamics of the positivist and evolutionist determinism – and the totalitarian re- gimes of the first half of the twentieth century that in several ways implemented eugenic policies in a dramatic way. In this perspective, emerged a close identification 319 between eugenic and Nazism, following the idea that Nazis experiences were the expression of the real characters of eugenics and, more generally, of modernity. This interpretation arrived to claim a direct link of continuity between Darwin and Hitler, as the title of a famous book of 20041. -
Human Gene Therapy: Ethics and Public Policy*
HUMAN G E N E T H E R A P Y 2:115-122 (1991) Mary A n n Liebert, Inc., Publishers Human Gene Therapy: Ethics and Public Policy* LEROY W A L T E R S ABSTRACT The first t h r e e h u m a n gene t r a n s f e r / t h e r a p y clinical p r o t o c o l s a r e n o w u n d e r w a y after h a v i n g b e e n s u b j e c t e d t o a n extensive review process b y t h e Recombinant D N A A d v i s o r y Committee (RAC) a n d i t s H u m a n Gene Therapy S u b c o m m i t t e e . T h e "Points t o C o n s i d e r " d o c u m e n t d e v e l o p e d b y t h e R A C established t h e f r a m e w o r k for e v a l u a t i n g genetic i n t e r v e n t i o n protocols. T h i s r e v i e w process is t a k i n g place in a b r o a d e r social c o n t e x t . -
Science of Genetically Engineered Crops (AKA Gmos)
Science of Genetically Engineered Crops (AKA GMOs) Margaret Smith Plant Breeding & Genetics Cornell University Topics • What is a “GMO”? • How is genetic engineering done? • Where are products from GE varieties found in our food and feed systems? What is a “GMO”? • It depends on who you ask! • Genetically modified organism – Organism = a plant, animal, or microbe – Foods are not organisms, thus not “GMO” – Food products or ingredients might come from a GMO • What is considered “genetically modified”? 2016 US Labeling Act • “Bioengineering” refers to a food: – “That contains genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant DNA techniques; and – For which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature.” UN FAO / WHO Definition “Genetically engineered/modified organisms, and products thereof, are produced through techniques in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.” Which are “natural”? • Domestication • Farmer selection of new crops and varieties • Cross breeding • Genetic engineering Techniques that produce “GMO” varieties • Genetic engineering Techniques that produce “GMO” varieties • Genetic engineering • Cell or protoplast fusion? Techniques that produce “GMO” varieties • Genetic engineering • Cell or protoplast fusion? • Gene editing? Techniques that produce “GMO” varieties • Genetic engineering • Cell or protoplast fusion? • Gene editing? • Gene drives? Am I eating foods from genetically engineered crops? What foods contain GE crops? • 60-70% of supermarket foods have ingredients from a GE variety • Products made with soy or corn most obvious • Products with soy or corn derivatives • Limited fresh produce Food for Thought * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ingredient may be made from a genetically-engineered organism The Food Supply GE Crops Non-GE Crops Harvesting Detection Equip. -
Transhumanism
T ranshumanism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=T ranshum... Transhumanism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia See also: Outline of transhumanism Transhumanism is an international Part of Ideology series on intellectual and cultural movement supporting Transhumanism the use of science and technology to improve human mental and physical characteristics Ideologies and capacities. The movement regards aspects Abolitionism of the human condition, such as disability, Democratic transhumanism suffering, disease, aging, and involuntary Extropianism death as unnecessary and undesirable. Immortalism Transhumanists look to biotechnologies and Libertarian transhumanism other emerging technologies for these Postgenderism purposes. Dangers, as well as benefits, are Singularitarianism also of concern to the transhumanist Technogaianism [1] movement. Related articles The term "transhumanism" is symbolized by Transhumanism in fiction H+ or h+ and is often used as a synonym for Transhumanist art "human enhancement".[2] Although the first known use of the term dates from 1957, the Organizations contemporary meaning is a product of the 1980s when futurists in the United States Applied Foresight Network Alcor Life Extension Foundation began to organize what has since grown into American Cryonics Society the transhumanist movement. Transhumanist Cryonics Institute thinkers predict that human beings may Foresight Institute eventually be able to transform themselves Humanity+ into beings with such greatly expanded Immortality Institute abilities as to merit the label "posthuman".[1] Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence Transhumanism is therefore sometimes Transhumanism Portal · referred to as "posthumanism" or a form of transformational activism influenced by posthumanist ideals.[3] The transhumanist vision of a transformed future humanity has attracted many supporters and detractors from a wide range of perspectives.