1.

Human manipulation of living organisms’ DNA as well as our own DNA are clear
examples of artificial selection. Up to what extent can we allow ourselves to be involved
in this activity?

There should always be a limitation in the manipulation of the DNA as it may

lead to many negative effects such as the improper use of these knowledge. That is why
we should always consider proper ethics in the field of genetic engineering which
includes designer babies and embryo gene editing. Both which deals with human DNA is
a risky and dangerous act as some researchers and bioethicists are concerned that any
genome editing, even for therapeutic uses, will start us on a slippery slope to using it for
non-therapeutic and enhancement purposes, which many view as controversial. But
others argue that genome editing, once proved safe and effective, should be allowed to
cure genetic disease. That is why we should manage these concerns about genetic
engineering through policy and regulation.

2. There are two directions that humans are heading: (A) are we moving towards our
perfection in terms of genetic traits like long life and better health, or (B) are we heading
towards the extinction of the human race and evolve into a new set of species as Darwin
pointed out. Discuss & Explain.

Human beings are heading towards perfection in terms of genetic traits like long
life and better health as the advancement of science and biotechnology leads to further
development of drugs such as having a functional cure for HIV through the use of
CRISPR as Japanese scientists have successfully stopped the HIV-1 virus replication in
latent, infected T-cell cultures. The researchers used CRISPR gene-editing to achieve this
by disrupting two regulatory HIV-1 genes, tat and rev, that are essential for viral
replication. Another is where a kidney was regenerated through the use of stem cells in
Australia where gene editing technology with stem cell kidney regeneration was used to
correct a 12-year-old patient’s gene mutation. That is why these advancement can lead us
human beings to a better and longer life.
 3. What kind of society are we building in the future?

Through these knowledge and advancement in science we can create a better

world with better understanding of those happening around it. It can create better solution
for problems we are facing today such as creating drugs and vaccine that are twice
effective yet fewer side effects, foods that contain more nutrients and minerals, having
crop production that can have a high yield but at a low cost and better materials and
products that are efficient yet environmentally friendly.

Sources:

https://explorebiotech.com/biotechnology-breakthroughs-of-2018/

https://www.genome.gov/27569225/what-are-the-ethical-concerns-about-genome-editing/

https://www.eurostemcell.org/ethics-changing-genes-embryo

http://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/02/science-holds-the-promise-of-a-better-future/