1. My thoughts on the ethics of gene therapy
This topic is fraught with controversy and is very complicated. I guess I make the distinction between somatic cell gene therapy and germline therapy. As I understand it, somatic cell gene therapy involves inserting healthy cells into a person who has a disease. Germline therapy involves using an altered gene that is inserted into sperm or egg cells (germ cells) leading to a change in not only the individual receiving the treatment but future offspring. The intent of somatic cell gene therapy is to cure disease and reduce suffering. The idea behind germline therapy is to enhance a person's natural attributes (e.g., making a mediocre baseball player into a hotshot, or turning an average person into a genius). I have no problem with somatic cell gene therapy provided its use is limited to curing disease and reducing suffering. Germline therapy on the other hand reminds me of Hitler’s obsession with creating a perfect society (as he defined it). Thinking that everyone should be super intelligent, or physically stellar leads to intolerance of those who are not. This kind of thinking is dangerous. creeps me out.
2. Definitions of the Chemistry of Life
To me, this web site is not very intriguing. I was not interested in the laundry list of definitions.
3. Animations
I liked this web site much more than "Chemistry of Life." I think it's because I relate more to graphics than to words when it comes to chemistry.
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1 comment:
this germline therapy does sound disturbing. and so amazing that changes continue into future generations. also interesting that really alternative healers are getting into this idea of healing or clearing the dna. and the thought of doing it energetically doesn't freak me out at all. might not be very effective! but it could be, and yet the idea doesn't bother me at all. hmmm...
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