Abstract
This paper provides an overview and discussion of the current state of genetic technology, with emphasis on the Human Genome Project. The microbiological aspects of genomic sequencing are briefly summarized. The focus is mainly on the ethical and social implications of knowing and understanding each gene. It also looks at how this emerging biotechnology is embedded into modern society through complex interactions between several institutions.

From the Paper
"The project is a culmination of the application of the results of the past 50 years in genetics. Since the discovery of the structure of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), scientists have made two vital conclusions. The genome, containing an individual's DNA sequences, is a map for the physical and behaviourial traits that one has inherited. Therefore, a species' genome is the code to all of its biological faculties (Levi 6). In this sense, the Human Genome Project can be viewed as a necessary and central component to genetic progress, since complete knowledge of our DNA sequence is required to develop biotechnology that is more effective and on a broader scale."

Tags:genetic, applications, virus, DNA, sequencing, abortion, disease

Abstract
The paper first briefly defines stem cell research in all its forms (embryonic, adult, umbilical). It next explores whether the young fetus should actually be considered a 'life-form'. The political portion of the paper revolves around President Bush's policies and California's Proposition 71. Finally, the argument is made that alternatives to embryonic stem cells represent the only moral choice, especially at this early stage of research.

From the Paper
"There are too many unanswered questions and unknowns when it comes to stem cell research, embryonic or not. There is promising research being made on adult stem cells and umbilical cells as we speak. Shouldn't these avenues be completely explored before we even discuss destroying another embryo in the name of science? I would think so. The greatness of humankind can be measured by its accomplishments, but accomplishments made without regard to morals can destroy us. This is the course we must avoid. We must not sacrifice life with blind hopes of scientific advancement. We must not sacrifice one life to cure another."

Tags:abortion, CLS, ethics

Abstract
This paper examines the debate between the East and West on the issue of safety on genetically modified food. The author looks at the argument concerning the food's safety, and possible effects on the human body, labeling of such products, and how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration use modified foods.

From the Paper
"The world as we know it is divided into two parts---the secular West and the cultural East. Both have different manners of living and while the West blooms in progress the East is more restricted as it looks for the morality and values behind the progress being made. In such a division controversies like genetically-engineered food bring home the difference as both the divides through the globe argue the safety of the food-albeit on different grounds. At the heart of the debate lies the argument that as yet, the effects of genetically modified crops and products on the human body are not known. However, there is no conclusive evidence of whether or not they can be harmful.."

Tags:east, west, FDA, poison, biotechnology, risk, label, population, health

Abstract
This essay first delivers a general overview of ES cell research. It then looks at ethical dilemmas from both sides with the aid of four ethical theories - Act Utilitarianism, Ethic of Care, Kantian Ethics and Moral Rights Theory. In addition, it addresses the personhood of an embryo. Finally, the conclusion unites the main themes in stating that ES cell research is ethical.

From the Paper
"The topic of embryonic stem (ES) cell research emerged in 1998, when James Thompson and his colleagues first derived the cells from pre-implantation human blastocysts [1]. Since then, ES cells have quickly become one of the decade's greatest philosophical dilemmas. Although this research has the potential to cure such illnesses as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, paralysis, and muscular dystrophe (among many other disorders) [3]; researchers? largest boundary is providing a concrete ethical basis for its continued study."

Tags:abortion, Parkinson?s, IVF

Abstract
This paper provides a descriptive general interest essay on severe acute respiratory syndrome and its effect on world wide affairs. The essay cites specific references to instances in Toronto, Hong Kong, and China among others. This paper delves into the causes of SARS from gene mutation to the spread of the disease. It also analyzes the impact on healthcare systems, the global economy, and impact on workplaces.

Contents:
Spread of the Disease
Pathogens Responsible
Signs / Symptoms
Effect of Pathogen on the Body/Disrupting Homeostasis & Problems related to Treating SARS Patients
Impact on Healthcare
Ethics of Dealing with SARS
Ethics of Dealing with SARS in the Workplace

From the Paper
"A city in fear is no city at all. In November 2002 the disease known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) came to Toronto by way of China and set in motion a global fear of an epidemic. There was no cure, no background knowledge, and no available treatment. SARS was a sudden onset respiratory illness that scientists are still working on not only reliable testing for, but also a cure. This paper will discuss the rise and fall of SARS and its effects on the world community, and its impact on our lives in the greater Toronto Area. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a contagious and fatal form of pneumonia that originated in China in 2002 and quickly spread across the globe. When originally contracted no available treatments offered any relief to the sever symptoms that took over a victim. The swift worldwide spread of the disease combined with its fatal nature prompted the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) to issue a worldwide alert, designating SARS as a world wide health threat, a virtual modern plague. This onset of fear motivated governments to establish never before seen procedures for infection control to prevent an epidemic. Despite these procedures approximately 8,000 cases of SARS were reported and caused 800 deaths in 32 countries."

Tags:care, china, disease, fears, health, spread

Abstract
This paper examines the major issues and concerns that have arisen out of the Human Genome Project, noting that the concerns within the scientific community differ markedly from those in the public arena. In attempting to address the question of whether the project was ethical or not, the paper takes the position that, like any other scientific endeavor, the attempt to map the human genome does not belong in the domain of ethics and is not amenable to such analysis. Questions of ethicality, it suggests, apply to the ways in which information is used rather than to the activity of gathering the information itself. The paper proceeds to discuss the desirability (rather than the ethicality) of mapping the human genome and concludes in favor of the endeavor.

Outline:
Introduction
Issues Within the Scientific Community
Issues in the Public Arena
Discussion
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Launched in the late 1980's, the Human Genome Project was an ambitious attempt, involving several nations, to map and sequence the approximately 3 billion nucleotides in the human genome (Gilbert 1992: 85). The genome is the entire set of genes contained in the 23 sets of chromosomes that make up the cells of the human organism. The goal of the project is to identify the precise function of each of the genes in the human genome, or, put conversely, to find the precise location in the genome of every single known human trait or characteristic (Lee 1991: 1). This makes it the largest-scale undertaking in the history of the biological sciences. One of the major benefits of mapping the human genome is that scientists will be able to identify the genes responsible for the more than 3000 known genetic diseases (Keller 1992: 294)."

Tags:biotechnology, diseases, dna, eugenics

Abstract
This paper explains the term germline manipulation and discusses this method of genetic engineering. Gene manipulation techniques are discussed, as well as the challenges and uncertainties that gene therapy might bring with its advantages. The paper studies the laws and rights governing germline manipulation in countries such as Canada and China. With the view that germline manipulation represents an infinite potential for treating genetic diseases such as Huntington's, the paper advocates more flexible laws, support and research so that future generations can reap the benefits that germline technology has to offer. This paper includes figures.

Outline:
Comparison of Gene Manipulation Techniques
What is Nuclear Cloning?
Use of Animals
Techniques Used
Hope For Huntington's disease
Opposition
Fearing the Future
Opportunity to Cure
Laws and Rights
An Open future
Recommended readings

From the Paper
"The strongest drive built into every living organism is survival, consequently it should be of no surprise that we want to be healthy and live longer. Life is a tricky term to define. If we do attain the power of immortality by engineering our genes to keep replicating indefinitely, then will we still be alive? Then again cancer cells replicate indefinitely, yet ironically their immortality leads to our death. Such are the reasons why one must take caution when approaching newly developing technologies like germline therapy."

Tags:genetic engineering bioethical rights, gene therapy

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the issues involved in genetic engineering, including the pros, cons and the use of eugenics. The author begins with a discussion of randomness and chaos in nature, and how we interpret these phenomenon. The implications of gene modification are also presented, including the benefits of germ-line gene therapy. The author continues by explaining eugenics, its positive aspects and its potential for abuse. In closing, the author argues that we must use wisdom when using genetic engineering.

From the Paper
"Some forms of genetic modifications can be beneficial. Germ-line gene therapy involves inserting genes and artificial chromosomes into the embryo (First GM, 2001). This is used to cure genetic and behavioural disorders such as schizophrenia. (Heaf, n.d.) It also can increase the intelligence or physical performance of the organism. (Holtzman, 2005) These genetically altered traits are passed down to the person's offspring, which includes irreversible mistakes (Heaf, n.d.). This is clearly eugenics because the offspring as specifically altered to display favored characteristics."

Tags:genetic modifications, fertility treatment, embryo, fertility technology, eugenics

Abstract
This paper discusses how xenotransplantation, the transfer of cells, tissues and organs from other species into humans, is a topic that has started to gain considerable interest among biologists today. It examines how these types of procedures could completely revolutionize modern medicine and how there are many physical and ethical risks associated with both research and implementation of xenotransplantation. Such risks include rejection and the introduction of novel diseases into the human species.

From the Paper
"Ultimately, animal experimentation can be warranted by the fact that while no amount of benefit could justify any harm to human research subjects, even extreme harm and pain for animal research subjects could be justified by the potential benefit to human beings (Bishop and Nelson, 2001). As well, it is generally thought that, especially with animals such as pigs, if we are willing to kill them for their meat, then we should be willing to kill them for their organs in order to save human lives. This view is undermined, however by some popular views that animals should not be killed for any human purpose."

Tags:heart, organ, pig, transplant, disease

Abstract
In this article, the writer first explains that a stem cell is a human cell that has the ability to divide itself a large number of times when placed in suitable environment, such as a laboratory culture. The writer notes that stem cell research implications are generally related to human health, and thus human stem cells are the focus of this paper. The writer discusses that many people are opposed to stem-cell research because of the need for using embryo cells, which can either come from aborted foetuses or from the umbilical cords of newborn babies. The writer then argues that, despite the concerns about stem-cell research, there are a great number of medical benefits that have already and may still come from stem-cell research and they far outweigh any potential negative effects. The writer argues that stem-cell research should not only be allowed to continue and prosper, but it should also be well funded and placed at a high priority among medical research fields.

From the Paper
" Stem-cell research has allowed researchers to learn more about how cells regenerate themselves, as well as how initial cells at the embryo stage of development later develop into specific cells with specific functions in the body. This research is very useful for informing scientists about potential treatments for debilitating diseases. Researchers working with stem-cells have become fairly certain that continued research with the stem-cells will lead to potential cures or treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, by regenerating muscle and brain cells. The research is also promising in terms of generating treatment options for individuals with multiple sclerosis. One of the most exciting possibilities for stem-cell research lies in the field of developing organs from stem-cells which could meet the human demand for organ transplants and remove the necessity of finding matching donors. Thus, stem-cell research has the potential to save a remarkable number of human lives."

Tags:human, embryos, regenerate, replicate