By definition, a “Designer Baby” is a genetically modified, unborn child. Basically, they are children who have been “designed” with the desired sex or characteristics. Scientists continue to learn more about the human genome, and as they do reproductive technology continually advances to levels that we never imagined. Researchers linked to Bionet point out: Advanced reproductive techniques involve using InVitro Fertilization (IVF), which is where eggs are fertilized by sperm in ‘test tubes’ outside the mother’s body in a laboratory. The type of sperm (X or Y) that fertilizes an egg can be chosen, which is used to determine the sex and genes of the baby.
These cells are used in different tests like karyotype i.e., knowing the number and type of chromosomes. These tests will be useful in knowing the possibility of any genetic disease or risk of congenital malformation in the fetus. This helps in diagnosing disorders like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, neural tube defects and many genetic disorders. Amniocentesis is done by inserting a needle per abdomen into the uterus and taking around 20 ml of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid taken is tested in genetic laboratory for fetal cells to detect the chromosome number or pattern or a specific mutation.
What I am talking about here is Organ and tissue donation. Organ donation is a selfless way to give back to others, and to be able to make a huge difference by giving another person a second chance at life. Unfortunately, the number of patients waiting for organs far exceeds the number of people who have registered to become organ donors. Patients are forced to wait months, even years for a match, and far too many die before they are provided with a suitable organ. There are many stigmas related to organ donation, but most of them are relatively false, and in order to be well informed, you must know what organ donation is, how it works as well as how you can become an organ donor and what organs or tissues you can donate.
Although these cells are unspecialised they can only develop into a specific type of cell. A lot of research has been put into stem cells as we can remove them an embryo, and in theory use them to use them for: * Making new brain cells for people with Parkinson’s disease. * Rebuilding bones and cartilage * Repairing damaged immune systems * Making replacement heart valves Although this sounds very exciting, a lot of social and ethical issues have come about, due to the stem cells used for research coming from human embryos. As a result, the government has kept a close eye on the research being done. The main ethical issue is that many people, due to their religion or personal opinion believe that destroying human embryos is a form of murder.
The successful cloning of Dolly the sheep was a new promise for potential cloning of human beings for medical research and reproductive assistance. The field of bioengineering is driven by genetic research with a goal of improving human life expectancy. The process of cloning includes duplicating the existing genetic information of a person, which is used to create a new organism with the same DNA. A nucleus from an egg cell is removed and replaced with a nucleus of a somatic cell of a person being cloned, which is implanted in a surrogate mother for development (Kass 321). The concept of human cloning is controversial in regards to its ethical dimension and the potential risks it can have on humanity.
Herein, presentations on structural imaging using X-rays, exploitation of hydrogen’s spin for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, usage of positrons and photons to image tissue functions and biological effects of radiation left me spellbound. These ideas portrayed the potential of simple physics principles which are capable enough to reveal valuable information pertaining to human body. It also contributes to their deeper understanding and paves ways for effective treatment. I could clearly relate engineering lessons to the principles that I studied in my junior college. I wish to apply this knowledge in future for solving complex abnormalities.
After President Bush limited embryonic stem research government funds, many labs were forced to seek private funding to continue research. In March 2009 President Barack Obama lifted the federal funding ban for embryonic stem cell research, so the government could give financial support to federal and state agencies to continue embryonic stem cell research. President Obama spoke on the issue in 2009: "Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research, from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears fruit, and from a government willing to support that work...Ultimately, I cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek. No President can promise that.
Each culture differs from the other cultures in the way it reacts with the new scientific discoveries and inventions, depending on it’s own values and beliefs. Some people think of embryo research as a solution to many medical diseases, and that’s true for the patients’ benefit. However, what about the fate of the embryos which the doctor used for research and then got rid of after? Sometimes doctors or patients’ families consider hiding the health information from the patient as an acceptable option for the patients’ own interest to avoid emotional harm. Although, what about the patients’ right to know their health conditions?
MYTH VS REALITY Myth. If I agree to donate my organs, my doctor or the emergency room staff won't work as hard to save my life. They'll remove my organs as soon as possible to save somebody else. Reality. When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus on saving your life -- not somebody else's.
During the 19th century, the world had witnessed several huge medical revolutions; patients who previously died from specific diseases are surviving now because of vaccination and new treatments. However, the human mind has gone beyond the essential needs of treatment and tried new experiments till a new technology was created. Designer baby, a new finding that refers to changing the traits of babies by means of genetic engineering and biotechnology. This phenomenon allowed physicians to change the traits of infants as their parents want. At the present time, families can choose their baby’s hair color, skin color and eye color.