Assignment 16- Joonyoung Park

Genetic Modification

Super strength, intelligence, good looks, and height. These characteristics all have one thing in common. These characteristics all can be genetically modified and made available for everyone. With the evolution of man and advancement of technology, genetic modification has become a reality. Not long ago, the idea of genetic modification was an idea in our dreams. With the evolution of man and advancement of technology, genetic modification has become a reality. In the near future, we may be surrounded by people that have been genetically modified. However, genetic modification of humans is a topic widely debated on by many people.

To those of you that are against abortions, genetic engineering may be a solution to abortions. About 90%-92% of babies with down syndrome are aborted every year. This is a number that can be changed with genetic engineering. Down syndrome is a genetic disease that can easily be corrected with genetic engineering. With this correction, couples can ask a professional to change the genes of a fetus and remove the extra chromosome. Now this is where some people say that it isn’t right to change the genetic makeup of a person because they have a disorder and that we should love people for the way they are born. However, if a baby with down syndrome is aborted, there is no baby that is born. Genetic engineering can save lives and get rid of arguments over abortions.

“Mastery over life.” This is how Michio Kaku describes genetic engineering. In his documentary, he talks about how replacement organs can be a sign of humans showing mastery over the lives they live. Currently, there are over 119,000 individuals, according to the US Department of  Health and Human Services, on the waiting list for an organ transplant. This number can be completely erased if we use genetic engineering to create replacement organs for us. The benefits to this would be significant. There would be no worry of rejection of the organ since it would be created out of the same cells that are in your body. With many deaths being caused by organ failures, the creation of replacement organs would allow us to be able to save numerous lives. In turn, this will allow us to spend more times with our loved ones and friends.

In Daniel Cohen’s book, “Cloning,” he talks about how he agrees with the fact that genetic engineering could be used to cure illnesses and control diseases. This is possible by the narrowing of the gene pool. Much like fish in a small pond having a gene pool, humans will eventually have a gene pool with modified genes. With modified genes, humans will be able to get new genes and be allowed to evolve and become stronger. In a “Kurzgesagt- In a Nutshell” video,  they talk about how in the future there will be technology that will be able to eliminate cancer with just a injection of your own genes that have been modified. As cancer is the second leading cause of death, 564,800 deaths a year, this new modification technology is a lifesaver.

Another reason for genetic engineering would be for military purposes. Paul A. Philips writes in his article that the military would use genetic engineering to give soldiers abilities much like Captain America. However, people will claim that this can also get into the wrong hands and they will create soldiers that will be used for evil. This is true but it is also true if genetic engineering is banned. People will eventually figure out how to modify genes and will use it to their own personal benefits.

This is an issue that may or may not occur within our time, however it is always safe to be prepared for what is a possibility. Genetic engineering of humans will allow us to advance as a race and allow us to live better lives. The possibilities are endless with genetic engineering.

"BBC Documentary: Visions of the Future - The Biotech Revolution." N.p., 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 28 June 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WkXIBCC6BA>

Cohen, Daniel. "Chapter 6: Genetic Engineering." Cloning (Revised Edition). 88. n.p.: Lerner Publishing Group, 1996. Health Source - Consumer Edition. Web. 29 June 2016.

Kurzgesagt. "Genetic Engineering Will Change Everything Forever – CRISPR - YouTube." YouTube. YouTube, 10 Aug. 2016. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

@activistpost. "DARPA: Genetically Modified Humans for a Super Soldier Army." Activist Post. N.p., 14 Oct. 2015. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.