Category Archives: Transhuman News

April 8, 2013

Rayshell Clapper for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

Despite the frequently encountered argument that scientists are playing God with nature, the pros of genetic engineering are numerous and significant.

When discussing genetically modified organisms (GMO), it is important to note that the FDA and the World Health Organization have both deemed that the food products created with the technology are considered safe.

GMO produce has several genetically altered advantages over non-GMO fruits and vegetables, including increased resistance to pests, disease and drought.

These benefits of genetic engineering translate directly into cheaper prices. A recent Iowa State University study found that prices would be at least 10 percent higher for soybeans and 6 percent higher for corn worldwide without biotechnical modifications.

Some GMOs have even been found to taste better than their conventional counterparts. In a study published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, researchers found that as many as 60 percent of the people they surveyed actually preferred the taste of a genetically modified tomato.

The study focused on a particular modified tomato that had the genetically engineered advantage of a rose-scented compound that was coded into the tomato genome. The researchers said their study proves that food products can not only be made more resilient through biotechnology, but that they can also be made more flavorful.

The pros of genetic engineering can also be seen in fields besides agriculture. Scientists at the Department of Energy revealed that they have created a modified virus capable of generating electrochemical energy. Using the genetically modified viruses, they were able to create a device that is powered simply by applying pressure.

Cancer researchers and patients are also constantly reaping the benefits of genetic engineering. Many experimental treatments use genetically modified viruses to target and destroy cancer cells. A recent study showed that oncologists from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York were able to effectively treat a specific form of acute leukemia using genetically engineered viruses.

More:
The Pros of Genetic Engineering: Why ‘Playing God’ Could Help The Human Race

Genetic engineering THE SEQUEL
cabbages comes back for discussion.

By: ELLIEISDEADLY

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Genetic engineering THE SEQUEL - Video

April 9, 2013

Rayshell Clapper for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

What, Why and How?

What exactly is human genetic engineering (HGE or HGM)? Its a simple question with a complex answer. According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), HGM is a process by which scientists and medical professionals alter the genetic makeup, or DNA, in a living human cell. Ideally, HGM would be used to fix defective genes that cause diseases and other genetic complications.

In one method of altering the genes of living cells, scientists insert a new gene into a virus-like organism. This organism is then allowed to enter the cells and insert the new gene into the genome. Human genetic engineering uses two applications to do this: somatic and germline. It is important to note the distinction between these two applications.

Somatic engineering (from the Greek word soma, which means body) targets specific genes in specific organs and tissues without affecting the genes in the eggs or sperm (depending upon the gender of the person). The aim of this type of human genetic engineering is to treat or cure an existing condition. It does not alter the individuals entire genetic makeup as a report for the Genetics and Public Policy Center explains.

The other type of human genetic engineering is germline, which targets the genes in eggs, sperm, or embryos in very early stages of development. This means that the genetic modifications that take place affect every cell created afterwards in the developing embryos body. Germline HGM also means that the modifications are passed on to all future generations if the individual goes on to have offspring. Obviously, germline HGM tends to be more controversial because the introduction of the gene alters future reproduction, whereas somatic HGM only affects the individual on which it is performed.

Finally, cloning can be considered as a third method of HGM. The US Department of Energys genomics website explains that there are three main types of cloning: recombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning, reproductive cloning, and therapeutic cloning. DNA cloning is the transfer of a DNA fragment from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element in order for the DNA to replicate itself in a foreign host cell. Reproductive cloning, on the other hand, is used to generate an organism that has the same nuclear DNA as another currently or previously existing organism (think of Dolly the sheep). Finally, therapeutic cloning also known as embryo cloning involves the production of human embryos for use in research.

The Controversy

On February 13, 2013, experts debated whether the US should ban specifically prenatal engineering. Livescience.com reported about this debate over HGM as the concern turned from empowering parents to give their children the best start possible to creating designer babies who may encounter genetic problems as a result of the genetic engineering of humans.

Read more:
Human Genetic Engineering: A Very Brief Introduction