When Innovation Exceeds Technological Capacity: A Moral Evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9’s Role in Genetic Engineering Research
Date
2018
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Department of English and Writing, The University of Tampa
Abstract
The Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003 showcased the
vast influence the field of genetics exerts on biomedical innovation
The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Human Genome
Research Institute called the HGP “one of the greatest feats” and
praised it for giving researchers “the ability, for the first time, to
read nature's complete genetic blueprint for building a human
being” within the public domain (“All About the HGP”). This
successful sequencing provided biomedical researchers with a
necessary precursor for uncovering the particular genes—and
the genetic mutations—that directly correlate with chronic and/
or fatal diseases (Venter et al. 2003). In fact, many of the novel
methods inspired by the genomic revolution—such as genetic
testing—are now essential to the field of medicine. For example,
the discovery of breast cancer-related genes and subsequent use
of genetic testing kits led to incredible advances in breast cancer
diagnosis and prevention (Heemskerk-Gerritsen et al. 668-677).Today, internationally accredited biomedical research scientists
and microbiologists explore unprecedented, genomic manipulations
of human cells on a continuous basis. Although the ability
to alter human genomic DNA offers alluring potential in the
biomedical field, researchers know it comes with irreversible
changes. Nonetheless, biomedical research has already established
an overwhelming pace for real-world applications that is
not likely to ease up or scale back anytime soon. Thus, researchers
must step back and carefully evaluate the recent discoveries
in genetic engineering of the human genome and the implications
of innovation without watchful intervention.
Description
Recommended Citation: Yaeger, Brianna. “When Innovation Exceeds Technological Capacity: A Moral Evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9’s Role in Genetic Engineering Research.” Royal Road, 2018. https://doi.org/10.48497/44BY-QC39.
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Keywords
Genetic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9, Human Genome Project, HGP, Biomedical Research, Genetic Testing--ethics
Citation
Yaeger, Brianna. “When Innovation Exceeds Technological Capacity: A Moral Evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9’s Role in Genetic Engineering Research.” Royal Road, 2018. https://doi.org/10.48497/44BY-QC39.