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 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
This paper presents and describes an experiment in which DNA was extracted from C. Elagens to be amplified and electrophoresed. The paper discusses information retrieved from W. MacGinnis and R. Krumlauf's article, "Homeobox Genes and Axial Patterning." The paper focuses on discussing the methods and results for the experiment.

Table of Contents:
Materials and Methods
C. Elegan Preparation
RNAse Treatment and Protein Precipitation
DNA Precipitation, Drying and Rehydration
Preparation of PCR Reactions and Running of Reactions in Thermocycler
Homeobox PCR
Casting an Agarose Gel
Loading, Running and Staining the Agarose Gel
Taking a Picture of the Gel
Results
Discussion

From the Paper
"From the final results, it is apparent that the C. Elegans do possess homeobox genes. Since many of the bands had high molecular weight, they contained hundreds of base pairs, a sign indicating the presence of homeobox genes. The homeobox genes are of great importance as they encode proteins that tell the cells in the various segments of the developing embryo, what kind of structures to make (McGinnis W. and Krumlauf R.). There are however, many organisms that do not contain homeobox genes. Such organisms are not complex in a segmental way, such organisms that do not have segmentation have no need for genes to create structures that they no not need."

Tags:organism, gel, protein, DNA

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the functioning of embryonic stem (ES) cells, with particular focus on polycomb regulation. It maintains that ES cells are of great importance as they have the flexibility to give rise to any cell type in the body. It also adds that they can also be kept in an undifferentiated state and selectively induced to form any specialized cell types, which could potentially replace cells lost or damaged by disease. The paper points out that such knowledge has immense significance as it can help people who are suffering from various degenerative diseases or other tragedies. The paper includes charts, graphs and illustrations. It concludes that future studies are required to delve further into the not fully understood mechanisms by which ES cells self-renew, while maintaining the ability to differentiate into virtually all adult cell types.

Outline:
Experimental Procedures
Cells and Cell Culture
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation and DNA Microarray Analysis
Gene Expression Analysis
Future Experiments

From the Paper
"Polycomb silencing mechanisms were first discovered in Drosophila as functions essential for the regulated expression of homeotic genes during development (Lewis, 1978). The Polycomb gene of Drosophila is a member of a large class of genes required for the segment-specific repression of homeotic selector genes (Paro & Hogness, 1991). PcG and their complexes are essentially conserved from insects to mammals. PcG genes do not constitute a family, but a diverse group originally defined by the fact that loss of function of each member has similar consequences in depression of the homeotic genes. Molecular analysis has shown that most PcG gene products act together to form multi-protein complexes (Berger, 2006)."

Tags:molecule, embryo, fetus, gene

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 considers the concern about biotechnology and whether it should be embraced as a miracle cure for the world's hunger problems or rejected as a potentially dangerous activity that does more harm than good. The paper attempts to determine the value of this technology by examining the problems experienced by Monsanto Corporation and similar companies that are in the business of genomics.

From the Paper
"There is one question that must be answered first and foremost before it is even possible to look at the issue of genetic engineering: what exactly does genetic engineering refer to? Generally, genetic engineering is the act of putting a gene from one organism into another. In effect, scientists are creating organisms with a different genome than the ones normally found in nature. Specifically, researchers must first isolate a gene " a segment of DNA that codes for protein " and then clone that DNA many times; that segment of cloned DNA, the transgene, is then inserted into another organism with the new DNA integrating itself into the host genome followed by expression of the gene and production of protein coded for by that gene. By and large, genetic engineering is a trial and error art, not one based on precision. Some geneticists use a technique where the modified gene is blasted into the cells using a molecular shotgun. It is very difficult to determine where a gene will end up once placed into a cell (Dressel & Suzuki, 1999, p. 104)."

Tags:genetic, make-up, ogranism, mutation, plants, human, consumption, gefs, genetically, engineered

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 is a highly specialized -- in-depth paper on Virogenomics , the deciphering of the viral genome sequence. The author looks at statistics, provides charts and graphs and traces the history of this fascinating new field.

From the Paper
"Influenza, HIV, Hepatitus, Herpes simplex, and cytomegalovirus are just some of the many examples of viral diseases that plague our global population today. Primitive efforts to control these viruses have mostly focused on the split product and surface antigen vaccines. Although these vaccines have proved to be helpful in initiating the immune response against these viruses, whether it be healthy adults, or elderly people with medical conditions, the coverage is often low. Viruses quickly mutate, and there are often different strains circulating, so most of the time, these types of vaccines may or may not provide any protection against these viruses."

Tags:aids, antiviral, azt, biology, drugs, genes, genetics, genome, herpes, hiv, host, infection, influenza, microarray, sequence, virogenomics, virus

Abstract
Examination of Fragile X Syndrome from a genetic, neurological, and neuro-psychological perspective. Includes current research on this disorder. It provides information about the characteristics of the disorder, treatment available, and medical research performed. It also examines how this disorder affects a sufferer's daily life.

Table of Contents
I. Introduction
i. Physical characteristics
ii. Behavioural and non-physical characteristics
II. Neuronal Development
i. Normal development
ii. Development in FraX
III. Fragile X Mental Retardation Gene (FMR1)
i. FMR1 and FraX
ii. Gender differences
IV. Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP)
i. FMR1 mutation and FMRP
ii. FMRP and synaptic plasticity
iii. Evidence from animal models and non-human studies
iv. FMRP as mRNA-binding protein
V. Molecular-Genetic Basis of Fragile X Syndrome
i. Normal development
ii. Moderate FMRP deficiency
iii. Severe FMRP deficiency
iv. Mechanism of FMRP in mediating neuronal development
VI. FMRP and Development of Fragile X: Hypotheses
i. FMRP and synapse formation during development
ii. FMRP and translation at postsynaptic site
VII. FRAXE and FMR2
i. Mutation and phenotype
VIII. Brain Abnormalities
i. Evidence from structural magnetic resonance imaging studies
IX. Neuro-psychological Profiles
i. Males with FraX
ii. Females with FraX
X. Current Research
i. Cortisol and stress-related behavior in children with FraX
ii. Neurocognition in female permutation carriers
iii. FRAXE and obsessive-compulsive disorder
iv. Fragile X permutation and neurologic disorders
XI. Future Directions of Research
i. Potential areas of exploration
ii. Treatment
XII. References

From the Paper
"Fragile X syndrome (FraX) is the single most common form of inherited mental impairment (Glaser et al., 2003). Studies place prevalence rates of the disorder at approximately 1 in 2000-5000 live births, affecting as many as 1 in 4000 females and twice as many males (Churchill et al., 2002). It is second only to Down syndrome as a cause of mental impairment and appears in children of all ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds (Fragile X Association, 2003). The pace of research into the genetic, molecular, anatomical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial factors underlying this disorder has grown at an exponential rate in recent years. FraX is described by Nobel Laureate and co-discoverer of the DNA double-helix, Dr. James D. Watson, as the "first major triumph of the genome project" (FRAXA Research Foundation, 2002), and its potential as a paradigm of study by which to understand normal and disordered processes of development is immeasurable."

Tags:developmental, disorders, genetics, neurology, neuropsychology, psychology

Abstract
The paper examines an article by Elmer-Dewitt that deals with the many misconceptions surrounding the cloning of the first human embryo and Putnam and Harris' essays that directly treat the moral conceptualization of human dignity with relation to cloning. The paper provides evidence to show that clones will develop individually, not only cognitively but also physically, into unique individuals that do not threaten the diversity of society and avoid the nightmare scenarios of carbon-copy humans. The paper explains that what will follow such research is an increased ability to screen out those traits that are universally undesired by perspective parents, such as the defects and diseases that impinge upon the quality of life for all humans.

From the Paper
"This essay intends to focus solely upon the issue of human cloning as ethically permissible. The larger question of whether or not to clone and/or genetically manipulate other species of plants and animals is rendered largely moot due to the proliferation of such practices. Genetically modified foodstuffs and the cloning of animals within the realm of scientific experimentation is commonplace, with "Dolly" the sheep standing as the first and most famous example. Since then, dogs and wolves have been added to the list of successfully cloned animals, though significant health problems in the cloned individuals render such endeavors far from perfected. At this point and time, human embryos have been cloned, but are not viable past a few cell divisions, placing the potentiality of human cloning into the realm of the probable, and as Elmer-Dewitt notes, "[t]he time to discuss whether [human cloning] is right or wrong is before it has been put to use, not after"."

Tags:DNA, genetics, epigenetics, embryos, cells, traits