Jack Straw is said to putting plans forward to enforce any criminal to keep their genetic material on a national database with purpose of cross matching with unsolved crimes.
As law stands at the moment written consent is required from the affected parties. Some criminals may feel this is violation of human rights whilst their victims could interpret this as being justice for criminals.
Genetic engineering is perhaps top of the media list in the medical/biological field. This (in very simple terms) involves swapping old genes for new ones. The topic already holds out hope for diabetes sufferers. 2 Having type 1 or 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of diabetes type1 include: cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Current medical protocol means sufferers rely on insulin injections, as the Langerhans cells in the pancreas no longer produce sufficient insulin. Genetic engineering allows for insulin to be taken from the pancreas of cows or pigs (although the product is impure and the body reacts with it). By locating the defective gene, which is no easy task. However, culturing and inserting the correct gene is a very realistic and possible cure.
A vaccine became available for the Hepatitis B virus in this manor given above. The Hepatitis B vaccination was discovered from the field of genetics. Massive quantities of Hepatitis B can be produced in a large fermentation vat where it’s bombarded with nutrients and is maintained at an optimum temperature for reproduction. This done by using an enzyme called saccharmyes. The harmless particles produced from this process can be produced on an industrial scale and now serve as a commonplace vaccine.
Genetic engineering has managed to cause controversy within the certain religious communities. 3 As one British couple wanted to use stem cells taken from the umbilical cord to treat their other child who has a rare (life threatening) blood disorder. Mr and Mrs Whitakers baby Jamie, was genetically selected whilst he was an embryo to be a near perfect match for older sibling Charlie. The controversial treatment had to be carried out in America as the British government has banned this form of treatment in the UK.
With the realisation that genes can be manipulated, that scientists do have the knowledge to copy DNA brings the issue of cloning. Cloning is done by asexual reproduction and produces individuals who are genetically identical to a person who already exists.
The process is done by removing the DNA from the nucleus of an egg cell taken from the mother and then replacing that genetic material with the DNA taken from one of the father's cells. For example, a skin cell could be used. There are very strong arguments for both sides. One of the most common arguments against human cloning is that it violates human dignity. Some would feel that a unique human being is reduced to becoming a manufactured product. Or that it reduces a person's individuality and uniqueness.
On the other side of this coin, there are very obvious benefits. Ours and other specious could be saved in the event of a global disaster. Although, laboratories may also be destroyed should that happen. Cloning also allows gay couples to have children.
It’s not just humans and animals that are affected by genetics. The characteristics of all living things are based on DNA. The total DNA within a cell (genome) can be conceptually divided into regions called genes, each gene being the plan for one protein or part of a protein. 1 DNA itself acts as a template to make the proteins that control the thousands of functions in any organism. Modern day research has allowed Genes to be changed and then - along with attached bacteria or virus DNA (vector) - the ‘transgene’ to be inserted into the DNA of individuals of the same or another species. Only a few individuals take up the foreign DNA, so a ‘marker’ gene is also inserted enabling scientists to trace those plants and grow them on to maturity. Again there are powerful arguments on both sides. Crops can be produced faster; at less cost, meaning poorer countries could have more food. The consequences of such genetically modified food haven’t been researched adequately according to some academics. 4A report written by ‘The Guardian’ on Monday November 29, 2004 stated, that “GM crops do not deplete the soil of weed seeds needed by many birds and other wildlife - was flawed by the compilers' own admission that their test's "severely reduced" sensitivity meant that some differences between GM and non-GM trails may have been missed, according to Friends of the Earth.” -Jeremy Lennard. This shows some people feel more research is required as the knock-on effects are still unknown. In some cases protesters have taken to destroying crop fields.
Certain religious communities have suffered heavily due false genetic arguments. A combination of genetic and eugenic arguments was used to murder over 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. It goes with saying therefore genetics is a painful subject for the Jews. In the western world opinions even from a Christian perspective can vary greatly. Some feel creation belongs to God, yet he entrusted it to us. Meaning God gives his permission for this to take place. Catholics may feel that all life is sacred and thus should not be manipulated in any way.
The role of genetics within modern day society is huge, hitting the media’s attention often several times a week. This could be due to its complex desire to overcome barriers of human survival. The subject of genetics plays an already great role in modern day society. With much debate and research to continue, its future however is unpredictable.
1 Genes volume 7, Benjaman Lewis Oxford University Press, Page 71 01/01/2000
2 www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1126047.stm 01/12/04
3 www.bbc.co.uk/religion/ethics/issues/designer_babies/index.shtml 02/12/04
4 www.guardian.co.uk/gmdebate/Story/0,2763,1362276,00.html 02/12/04