WEEK 7

The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology

What is Happiness?
● In psychology, happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being which can be defined by,
among others, positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.
● To behaviorists, happiness is a cocktail of emotions we experience when we do something good
or positive.
● To neurologists, happiness is the experience of a flood of hormones released in the brain as a
reward for behavior that prolongs survival.
● The hedonistic view of well-being is that happiness is the polar opposite of suffering, the
presence of happiness indicates the absence of pain. Because of this, hedonists believe that the
purpose of life is to maximize happiness, which minimizes misery.
● Eudaimonia,​ a term that combines the Greek words for "good" and "spirit" to describe the
ideology. Eudaimonia defines happiness as the pursuit of becoming a better person.
Eudaimonists ​do this by challenging themselves intellectually or by engaging in activities
that make them spiritually richer people.

Aristotle
--> Aristotle believed that human flourishing requires a life with other people. Aristotle taught that
people acquire virtues through practice and that a set of concrete virtues could lead a person toward his
natural excellence and happiness.

--> According to Aristotle, there is an end of all of the actions that we perform which we desire for itself.
This is what is known as eudaimonia, flourishing, or happiness, which is desired for its own sake with all
other things being desired on its account. Eudaimonia is a property of one's life when considered as a
whole. Flourishing is the highest good of human endeavors and that toward which all actions aim. It is
success as a human being. The best life is one of excellent human activity.

Eudaimonia
● “good spirited”
● Coined by Aristotle
● Describes the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by humans.
● “human flourishing”
● From Nicomachean Ethics (philosophical inquiry into the nature of the good life for a human
being.)
– human flourishing arises as a result of different components such as

•Phronesis

•Friendship

•Wealth

•Power

• In ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring these will surely bring the seekers happiness,
which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we call the Good.

• As time changes, elements that comprise human flourishing changed.

• People found means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more products, and make
more money.

• Humans of today are expected to become “man of the world”.

• Supposed to situate himself in a global neighborhood, working side by side among institutions and the
government to be able to reach a common goal.

Principles

Principles of Human Flourishing

● Dignity of the Human person​ - innate personal values or rights which demands respect
for all people, regardless of race, social class, wealth etc.
● Common Good​ - sacrificing self-interest to provide for the basic human needs of everyone
makes the whole community flourish.
● Preferential Option for the Poor ​- when decisions are made by first considering the
poor.
● Subsidiarity ​- when all those affected by a decision are involved in making it.
 ● Universal Purpose of Goods​ - the Earth's resources serve every person's needs,
regardless of who "owns" them.
● Stewardship of Creation ​- duty to care for the Earth as a (God-given) gift is a personal
responsibility for the common good.
● Promotion of Peace​ - everyone has the duty to respect and collaborate in personal
relationships, and at national and global levels.
● Participation​ - everyone has the right and the duty to take part in the life of a society
(economic, political, cultural, religious)
● Global Solidarity​ - recognition that we are all interconnected, part of one human family.

Different Conceptions of Human Flourishing

Conceptions

Eastern
• Focus is community-centric

• Individual should sacrifice himself for the sake of society

• Chinese Confucian system

• Japanese Bushido

• Encourage studies of literature, sciences, and art for a greater cause

Western
● More focused on the individual
● Human flourishing as an end
● Aristotelian view
● Aims for eudaimonia as the ultimate good

Science, Technology and Human Flourishing

● Every discovery, innovation, and success contributes to our pool of human knowledge.
● Human’s perpetual need to locate himself in the world by finding proofs to trace evolution.
● Elicits our idea of self-importance
 ● Technology is a human activity we excel in as a result of achieving science.
● Good is inherently related to the truth.

WEEK 8
The Good Life
What is a good life?

ARISTOTLE
- Ancient Greek philosopher
- known for his natural philosophy, logic, and political theory

NICOMACHEAN ETHICS
“All human activities aim at some good. Every art and human inquiry, and similarly every action and
pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good has been rightly declared as that at
which all things aim.”

EUDAIMONIA- ​living well and doing well

EUDAIMONIA
- came from the Greek word eu meaning “good” and daimon meaning “spirit”.
- refers to the good life marked by happiness and excellence.
- flourishing life filled with meaningful endeavors that empower the human person to be the best
version of himself/herself.
- the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.
- believed that good for humans is the maximum realization of what was unique to humans.
- the good for humans was to reason well.
- The task of reason was to teach humans how to act virtuously, and the exercise faculties in
accordance with virtue.

TWO KINDS OF VIRTUE

INTELLECTUAL VIRTUE

- theoretical wisdom (thinking and truth)

- practical wisdom
- understanding.
- Experience and time are necessary requirements for the development of intellectual virtue
MORAL VIRTUE

- controlled by practical wisdom (ability to make right judgment)

- owed its development to how one nurtured it as habit.
- can be learned

- "Happiness depends on ourselves.“

- central purpose of human life and a goal in itself.
- depends on the cultivation of virtue.
- a genuinely happy life required the fulfillment of a broad range of conditions, including physical
as well as mental well-being.

HAPPINESS is the Ultimate Purpose of Human Existence

- happiness is a final end or goal that encompasses the totality of one's life.
- It is not something that can be gained or lost in a few hours, like pleasurable sensations.
- It is more like the ultimate value of your life as lived up to this moment, measuring how well
you have lived up to your full potential as a human being.

Science and Technology and Good Life

- S&T is also the movement towards good life.
- S&T are one of the highest expressions of human faculties.
- S&T allow us to thrive and flourish if we desire it.
- S&T may corrupt a person
- S&T with virtue can help an individual to be out of danger.

“One must find the truth about what the good is before one can even try to
locate that which is good.”

When Technology and Humanity Cross

Technology
- ‘Techne’ and ‘logos’
- the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
WEEK 9

The Information Age

Information​- conveyed or represented by a particular arrangement or sequence of things.
● facts provided or learned about something or someone.
● A knowledge communicated or obtained concerning a specific fact or circumstance.
● Formed using​ words
■ WORD- a combination of sounds that represents something.
■ The words are “informed” because they carry “information ( Chaisson, 2006)

Language-​the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of
words in a structured and conventional way.

The Role of Language

Greeks- language was an object worthy of admiration. Words have power.

Technological World

Printing Press- ​ a mechanical device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a print
medium, thereby transferring the ink.

The development of it was regarded as the beginning of a true revolution- ​15th century.

Ancient Greek idea​- knowledge should be shared and communicated among humans

Using the printing press, people on different sides of the world could share their thoughts and ideas with
each other, forming communities of thinkers across space and time.

The World Wide Web

A more modern example of technology feeding upon itself is the 20th century tour de force: the World
Wide Web through the internet.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee​ invented it as a way of addressing data processing and information sharing
needs among scientists for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) -one of the world’s
largest and most respected centers for scientific research.
Effects of Social Media

-​Disinformation​- false or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive. This is a

subset of misinformation.

-​Clash of ideas- ​disagreement of opposing ideals, ideologies, or ​concepts​ through which nations or
groups use strategic influence to promote their interests abroad.

-​Online Predation- ​ treat their victims as objects that serve to satisfy their sexual desires. Since
they contact them through computer screens and can't see them, it becomes easy for them to not
consider them human. Thus, they're able to treat their conversational partners as nothing more than
entities.

-​Identity theft​- crime of obtaining the personal or financial information of another person to use
their ​identity​ to commit fraud, such as making unauthorized transactions or purchases.

WEEK 10

Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

From the early times, when ancient philosophers of nature tried to explain all things as coming from the
elements of water, fire, air, or earth, science sought for the common characteristic, a unifying element,
in all of nature’s many phenomena. There was a growing awareness of how all living things are related
to each other, an idea called biodiversity. This recognition started when naturalists bagan to classify
organisms in the natural world using taxonomy, a system devised by Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus. Still
used in the biological sciences today, taxonomy is the hierarchical system of classifying and naming
organisms. It builds on the ability of the mind to find the common in the diverse, one in the Many. It is a
system commonly used today and shows that though the living organisms in the world are so diverse,
they still share many traits.

Where several different species and genera cohabitate, there is rich biodiversity. One of the basic laws
of the living is that of self-preservation. An organism will sacrifice all it has to ensure its survival.
However, with a limited amount of resources, how do the many living organisms of a diverse region
survive? The answer lies in the way the available energy supply in the world is shared among the
different species through the various ecological relationships. The energy needed to live is shared
among the elements of the living world, or passed on from one to another.
Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological services that constitute the source of life
for all and it has direct consumptive value in food, agriculture, medicine, and in industry. (Villaggio
Globale, 2009)

Therefore, we, as human inhabitants of the ecosystem, must preserve and conserve the biodiversity of
all creatures. In simple terms, it is true that people will always depend on biodiversity on the wholeness
of our being and in our everyday lives.

Thus, if we fail to keep the process of taking care of the ecosystem, it is us who are actually putting our
lives at risk. Significant decline in biodiversity has direct human impact when the ecosystem in its
insufficiency can no longer provide the physical as well as social need of human beings. Indirectly,
changes in the ecosystem affect livelihood, income, and on occasion, may even cause political conflict.
(WHO, n.d.).

Changes in Biodiversity

❖ Alteration in any system could bring varied effects.

❖ A change in biodiversity could have erratic effects not only in wildlife or marine life but also in
human beings.
❖ We can clearly infer that when our ecosystem is not well taken care of, biodiversity encounters
changes that may impact human health on such a different level.

Threats to Biodiversity

Major threats identified by United Nations’ Environment Programme (WHO,

n.d.)

❖ Habitat loss and destruction

❖ Alteration in ecosystem composition.
❖ Over-exploitation
❖ Pollution and contamination
❖ Global climate change

Consequences of Biodiversity Loss

❖ Even with the improvement of technology and science at present, we still have a lot to learn
about biodiversity, more so about the consequences of biodiversity loss. However, the basic
concept about biodiversity loss was from Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.
❖ The particular species making up an ecosystem determine its productivity, affect nutrient cycles
and soil contents, and influence environmental conditions such as water, cycles, weather
patterns, climate and other non-biotic aspects.
❖ The loss of biodiversity has many consequences that we understand and many that we do not.
 ❖ As stated by Tilman, “The Earth will retain its most striking feature, its biodiversity, only if
humans have the prescience to do so. This will occur, it seems, only if we realize the extent to
which we use biodiversity (Rainforest Conservation Fund, 2017)”

Nutritional Impact of Biodiversity

❖ According to the World Health Organization, biodiversity is a vital element of a human being’s
nutrition because of its influence on food production.
❖ Biodiversity is a major factor that contributes to sustainable food production for human beings.
❖ A society or a population must have access to a sufficient variety of nutritious food as it is a
determinant of their health as human beings.
❖ Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels; the ecosystem, with food production as an
ecosystem service.
❖ Nutritional composition between foods and among varieties/cultivars/breeds of the same food
can differ dramatically, affecting micronutrient availability in the diet.
❖ Intensified and enhanced food production through irrigation, use of fertilizer, plant protection
(pesticides), or the introduction of crop varieties and cropping patterns affect biodiversity and
thus impact global nutritional status and human health.

Health, Biology, and Biodiversity

❖ Almost all living organisms are dependent on their environment to live and reproduce. Basic
needs of living organisms such as air, water, food, and habitat are provided by its environment.
❖ The evolution of human beings was due to the improved access to these basic needs. Advances
in agriculture, sanitation, water treatment, and hygiene have had a far greater impact on human
health.
❖ Environmental hazards increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and many other
illnesses. These hazards can be physical, such as pollution, toxic chemicals, and food
contaminants, or they can be social, such as dangerous work, poor housing conditions, urban
sprawl, and poverty.
❖ Unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene can lead to infectious diseases, such as
diarrhea, cholera,
❖ The interrelation between human health and biological diversity is considerable and complex.
With the current biodiversity loss at unprecedented rates, the delicate balance between human
health and biological diversity is at risk.

Environment-Related Illnesses

❖ Some human illnesses that are found to be related with its environment include Parkinson’s
disease, heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes,
obesity, occupational injuries, dysentery, arthritis, malaria, and depression.
 ❖ According to experts, climate change could also have a serious impact on human health and
could deteriorate farming systems and reduce nutrients in some foods.
❖ Relationships between human health and the environment raise many ethical, social, and legal
dilemmas by forcing people to choose among competing values. Many of the issues at the
intersection of health and the environment have to do with managing benefits and risks.
❖ When drafting and implementing environmental health regulations, it is important to consider
vulnerable subpopulations.
❖ A vulnerable subpopulation is a group with an increased susceptibility to the adverse effects of
an environmental risk factor, due to their age, genetics, health status, or some other condition.

The 2010 International Year of Biodiversity

Steffen Thorsen
The United Nation (UN) declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, the International Year
for the Rapprochement of Cultures, and the International Year of Youth.

Biological diversity, also known as biodiversity, is the term given to the variety of life on earth and the
natural patterns it forms. This diversity is often understood in terms of the variety of plants, animals and
microorganisms. About 1.75 million species are identified, mostly small creatures such as insects. Some
scientists believe that there are actually about 13 million species , though estimates from three to 100
million.

The loss of biodiversity threatens food supplies, opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sources of
wood, medicines, and energy. It also interferes with essential ecological functions. On December 20,
2006, the UN General Assembly declared 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. It designated the
secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity as the event’s focal point. The assembly also invited
the secretariat to work with other UN bodies, environmental agreements, and organizations to bring
greater international attention to the continued loss of biodiversity.

The International Year of Biodiversity focuses on boosting awareness of biodiversity’s importance by

promoting actions to foster biodiversity worldwide. Various partners have committed to actively
participating in or organizing activities and projects for this year-long event.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Biodiversity International has released a module titled “​Law and Policy of relevance to the
management of plant genetic resources” (Bragdon et al., 2005) which aims to help professionals in
managing, conserving, and using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The module provides
the following.

1. Biotechnology uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or

modify products or processes for a specific use.
 2. Genetic engineering is a technique that allows genes and DNA to be transferred from one source
to another. It leads to the production of ​living modified organisms (LMO’s) or
genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)
3. Modern biotechnology gives scientists molecular tools for obtaining a better understanding of
the structure and function of genes in living organisms.

Modern biotechnology paves the way for new developments on food and agriculture. Particularly, it
aims to develop new precision tools and diagnostics; speed up breeding gains and efficiency; develop
pest- and disease-resistant crops; combat salinity, drought, and problems of agriculture; enhance the
nutritional quality of food; increase crop varieties and choice; reduce inputs and production costs: and
increase profits (Bragdon et al., 2005)

WEEK 11

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

❖ Based on evolutionary theory, the concept of survival of the fittest implies that living organisms
have a natural spectrum of characteristics such as size, mass, or length. The characteristics of an
organism and its successors can be modified today by modern technology, giving rise to what
are called ​genetically modified organisms or GMOs​ (Mayr, 2001).
❖ A ​GMO​ i​s a plant, animal, microorganisms, or other organism whose genetic makeup has been
modified using recombinant DNA methods (also called gene splicing), gene modification, or
transgenic technology. It is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one
species are extracted and artificially inserted into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal, also
called ​genetic engineering (GE) or genetic modification (GM​). Because this process involves the
transfer of genes, GMOs are also known as “​transgenic​” organisms.
❖ Genetic modification​ ​aims to address issues with regard to food security, agriculture, drug
production, and nutrition.

GENETIC MODIFICATION

❖ The information about the microbe and its reproduction mechanism are contained in its gene
structure. The first step in the process is the identification of the desired trait from another
organism. A gene containing this trait is first isolated and replicated. Next, the insertion of the
trait happens. After the successful insertion, the modified organism should be able to grow and
replicate.
 ❖ In the process of ​recombinant DNA technology,​ ​ the needed information for an
organism can be “borrowed” from another. Such a process means that a farmer can “design” an
organism to have the characteristics necessary to address particular issues.
❖ However, because GMOs are novel life forms, biotechnology companies were also able to obtain
patents which restrict their use. As a result, some companies that make GMOs could have the
power to sue farmers whose fields are contaminated with these organisms, even when it is the
result of inevitable drifting from neighboring fields (Nicholson, 2014).
❖ The promise of better food that is more resistant to spoilage, pest invasiveness, and harsh
weather conditions has made transgenic crops enticing to many people. It is a truly debatable
topic for the people of the 21st century, given the promise of this technology and yet the fact
that it is very new. Should it be embraced as a saving grace or is it to be feared as a possible
threat to a sustainable food supply?

CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIOSAFETY

❖ The Protocol is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport,
and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may
have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.
❖ The Philippines recognizes the technologies that can be of particular help for its development.
Since the Philippines is one of the biodiversity “hotspots” in the world, it is helpful to know how
biotechnology will progress in the country.

Genetically modified Golden Rice falls short on lifesaving promines

Gerry Everding

Heralded on the cover of Time mogažine in 2000 as a genetically modified (GMO) stop with the
potential to save millions of lives in me the Third World, Golden Rice is still years away from field
introduction and even then, may fall short of lofty health benefits still cited regularly by GMO advocates,
suggests a new study from Washington University in St Louis.

"Golden Rice is still not ready for the market, but we find the support for the common claim that
environmental activists are responsible for stalling its introduction. GMO opponents have not been the
problem," said lead author Glenn Stone, professor of anthropology and environmental studies in Arts &
Sciences

First conceived in the 1980s and a focus of research now since 1992, Golden Rice has been a lightnıng
rod in the battle over genetically modified crops.

GMO advocates have long touted the innovation as a practical way t0 provide poor farmers in remote
areas with a subsistence crop capable of adding much needed Vitamin A to local diets. A problem in
many poor countries in the Global South, Vitamin A deficiencies teave millions all high tok for infection,
diseases and other maladies, such as blindness.

Some anti-GMO groups view Golden Rice as an over-hyped Trojan Horse that biotechnology
corporations and their allies hope will pave the way for the global approval of other more profitable
GMO crops.

PRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

❖ Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes.

❖ When genes are inserted, they usually come from a different species, which is a form of
horizontal gene transfer.
❖ In nature this can occur when exogenous DNA penetrates the cell membrane for any reason. To
do this artificially may require attaching the genes to a virus or just physically inserting the extra
DNA into the nucleus of the intended host with a very small syringe, or with very small particles
fired from a gene gun.
❖ Agrobacterium ability to transfer genetic material to plants, or the ability of lentiviruses to
transfer genes to animal cells are natural examples of gene transfer.

PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVE OF PRODUCTION

❖ The basic principle for producing a GMO was to add new genetic material into an organism's
genome.

TRANSGENIC PLANTS

❖ Transgenic plants have been engineered for scientific research, to create new colors in flowers,
and to create improved crops.
❖ One way to do this is to knock out the gene of interest and see what phenotype develops.
❖ Another strategy is to attach the gene to a strong promoter and see what happens when it is
over expressed.

GM CROPS

❖ In agriculture, genetically engineered crops are created to possess several desirable traits, such
as resistance to pests, herbicides, or harsh environmental conditions, improved product shelf
life, increased nutritional value, or production of valuable goods such as drugs (pharming).
❖ Plants, including algae, jatropha, maize, and other plants have been genetically modified for use
in producing fuel, known as biofuel.

MICROBES
 ❖ These organisms are now used for several purposes, and are particularly important in producing
large amounts of pure human proteins for use in medicine.
❖ Genetically modified bacteria are used to produce the protein insulin to treat diabetes.
❖ Similar bacteria have been used to produce clotting factors to treat haemophilia, and human
growth hormone to treat various forms of dwarfism.

MAMMALS

❖ Ralph L. Brinster and Richard Palmiter developed the techniques responsible for transgenic
mice, rats, rabbits, sheep, and pigs in the early 1980s.
❖ They established many of the first transgenic models of human disease, including the first
carcinoma caused by a transgene.
❖ The process of genetically engineering animals is a slow, tedious, and expensive process.

INTENDED PURPOSE FOR THE GENETIC MODIFICATION OF MAMMALS

❖ To research human diseases

❖ To produce industrial or consumer products
❖ To produce products intended for human therapeutic use
❖ To enrich or enhance the animals' interactions with humans
❖ To enhance production or food quality traits
❖ To improve animal health

PROS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING

a. Production of Human Insulin:

❖ Patients suffering from diabetes are not capable of producing enough insulin.
❖ With the help of genetic engineering, human genes can be transferred into other
mammals for the production of insulin.
❖ The mammals like sheep and goat are used as mediums with human genes playing the
role of 'software' or the 'brain' containing necessary genetic information to produce
insulin.
b. Use in Gene Therapy:
❖ The GMOs like some viruses are used in gene therapy.
❖ Gene therapy can be used in the treatment of various genetic disorders and diseases
like sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis.
c. Usage in Agriculture​:
❖ Genetically modified plants have many applications in the field of agriculture.
❖ Genetic modification or engineering is used for increasing the production of crops, pest
control, weed management, etc.
❖ The genetically modified foods are also produced to make them more nutritious.
CONS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING

❖ Main argument made against the activity of genetic modification is that it leads to unpredictable
outcomes or side effects.
❖ Genetic modification is considered to be unnatural and doesn't fit in the context of natural ways
like breeding/crossing the plants and animals for bringing out the best in them.
❖ Thus, the possibility of unpredictable alterations taking place in the genetic make-up of
organisms is one of the biggest causes of worries among scientists regarding the whole issue of
genetic modification.

Harmful Effects on Crops:

❖ The genetically modified crops which the farmers plant in their fields have the same genetic
make-up.
❖ Cross-pollination of such plants with other plants increases the risk of contamination.
❖ The 'Bt' (Bacillus thuringiensis) genes present in the GM crops kill the insects like bees, ladybird
beetles, butterflies, etc.
❖ Thus, helpful organisms too are affected along with pests.

GM Animals:

❖ Genetic modification in animals is carried out for the production of pharmaceuticals, human
proteins and in therapies.
❖ The activity of animal cloning leads to deformities at the time of birth and many of such animals
die while they are still young. Genetic engineering is also used for creating organs by means of
animals for implanting them in human beings.

Risk of Misuse:

❖ The risk of the information regarding these techniques falling into wrong hands should be
considered while studying the pros and cons of genetic engineering.
❖ Mindless cloning of animals and plants for commercial purposes would definitely have adverse
effects on the gene pool we have today.
❖ The process of genetic erosion might accelerate with increase in the number of genetically
modified organisms.

Disruption of Natural Genetic Information:

❖ It is argued that in genetic engineering, the insertion of genes is done precisely in living cells.
❖ However, it cannot be decided where exactly in the DNA sequence, the gene is to be inserted.
 ❖ There is a risk of the disruption of gene expression and the genetic information present in the
DNA.

Preliminary Stage of Research:

❖ Most of the research in the field of genetic engineering is in its preliminary stages.
❖ The tests are generally conducted on animals and very little of the research is reviewed by
scientists.
❖ Moreover, the research methodology used by these companies is not reviewed by the FDA
(Food and Drug Administration).

CONCLUSION TO PROTECT OUR HEALTH:

❖ Any food produced through genetic engineering should be banned until scientifically shown to
be safe and safe for everyone.
❖ In the meantime, labeling should be required for any food that contains even one genetically
engineered ingredient, or that has been produced using genetically modified organisms or
enzymes.
❖ Full disclosure labelling will allow consumers to choose what they eat. It will also help scientists
trace the source of health problems as well as the benefits arising from these foods.

WEEK 13
Gene Therapy
-​an experimental technique that uses ​genes​ to treat or prevent disease. In the future, this
technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a ​gene​ into a patient's cells instead of using
drugs or surgery.
Medicine​-​ ​one example of a scientific and technological innovation that made a breakthrough in the
area of human health.
Before aspirin was ever understood at the nano level, it had been known for its effects. Pain of
various forms could be relieved and softened by this medicine. The aspirin was already an ‘old’
technology at the beginning of the 21st century. The more recent findings in the areas of nano and gene
science can be incorporated into medicine. If new discoveries on the areas of molecular and atomic
physics are applied to the biological basic building blocks--the genes--even greater technologies for
human health may be found.

(Article by Totel De Jesus)

What We Should Know about Stem Cell Treatment in the Philippines
Manila, Philippines-​--In recent years, it’s common to hear beauty doctors in the Philippines
offering stem cell therapy as if it is a newfound medical fountain of youth, the answer to all medical
worries.

In various media platform, there are bombardment of advertisements from various hospitals and clinics
packaging stem cell therapy as “cure-all” remedy

With such a medical breakthrough, it begs the question on how equipped we are in offering such
services. We can't help but ask the parameters on distinguishing the real experts from seemingly
fly-by-night clinics and medical centers.

Filipino-American doctor-lawyer Samuel Bernal​, an expert in the fields of regenerative

medicine and regulatory law, said the public should take a lot of precautions.

“Be careful. Number one, stem-cell therapy is not a ’cure-all’ (medical

procedure).”​ he said in an interview with the INQUIRER a few weeks after receiving the 2012
Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas at the Malacañang Palace.

“The goal of stem-cell therapy is not a longevity-anti-aging program. Stem cell

therapy is actually trying to allow the body to heal itself,” he said.

Educated at Johns Hopkins’ and Harvard Medical School​, Dr. Bernal is currently
Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles, member of American
Association of Clinical Oncologists, the American Association of Cancer Researchers, and a recognized
cancer investigator with the US National Institutes of Health.
As a lawyer, his legal expertise includes cases on medical malpractice, medical product liability, as well
as Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal trade Commission’s (FTC) regulations in the testing,
approval, advertising, and marketing of health products.

He explained stem cell treatment requires “analyzing at the molecular level what is causing the
problem or (what could be done) to prevent the problem.”

“Stem cells are just a small part of the molecular approach to medicine.”

Suppose scientists would like to fashion a gene to counter cancer cell growth. After several steps of
developing the technology, its success would still depend on its science and implementation. To achieve
the goal, the harmful gene has to be found among the 46 such structures in the ordinary cells of the
person. The specific part of the gene doing the problem should be identified. Afterwards, that section of
the gene must be removed and replaced with the “correct” or developed gene part to complete the
therapy. This process would then correct the misinformation encoded in the whole gene.

The financial cost of this therapy is not trivial. Each of the steps mentioned requires expertise and
technological skill. Therefore, gene therapy can be costly.