#ethical genetics

[science-lover33]

Genetic engineering: CRISPR and beyond

In genetic engineering, we find ourselves amidst a scientific revolution with the advent of revolutionary technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. However, our journey into the intricate landscape of genetic manipulation is far from complete. This post delves into the nuanced world of genetic engineering, exploring cutting-edge technologies and their remarkable potential in shaping the future of medicine and biotechnology.

CRISPR-Cas9: Precision at the Molecular Level

CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary genome editing tool, stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9. It utilizes a guide RNA (gRNA) to target specific DNA sequences, and the Cas9 protein acts as molecular scissors to cut the DNA at precisely defined locations. This break in the DNA prompts the cell's natural repair machinery to make changes, either through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR). CRISPR-Cas9's precision allows for gene knockout, modification, or insertion with remarkable accuracy.

Beyond CRISPR: Emerging Technologies

While CRISPR-Cas9 has dominated the field of genetic engineering, numerous promising technologies have emerged on the horizon. These include CRISPR-Cas variants like CRISPR-Cas12 and CRISPR-Cas13, which offer unique advantages such as smaller size, increased specificity, and targeting of RNA. Additionally, base editing techniques, such as adenine base editors (ABEs) and cytosine base editors (CBEs), enable the direct conversion of one DNA base into another without causing double-strand breaks, expanding the range of genetic modifications possible.

Applications in Medicine

The implications of these advancements are profound, particularly in medicine. Genetic engineering can potentially treat various genetic disorders, from cystic fibrosis to sickle cell anemia, by correcting disease-causing mutations at their source. Precision medicine, tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, is becoming increasingly feasible, allowing for personalized therapies with minimal side effects.

Ethical Considerations and Regulation

As we venture further into the genetic frontier, we must acknowledge the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering. The ability to modify the human germline, with implications for future generations, raises ethical dilemmas that necessitate rigorous oversight and regulation. The international community is developing guidelines to ensure responsible use of these powerful tools.

Future Directions and Challenges

While genetic engineering offers immense promise, it is not without its challenges. Off-target effects, unintended consequences, and the potential for creating designer babies are among the issues that demand careful consideration. Researchers and ethicists must work in tandem to navigate this uncharted territory.

References

Doudna, J. A., & Charpentier, E. (2014). The new frontier of genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9. Science, 346(6213), 1258096.

Anzalone, A. V., Randolph, P. B., Davis, J. R., Sousa, A. A., Koblan, L. W., Levy, J. M., … & Liu, D. R. (2019). Search-and-replace genome editing without double-strand breaks or donor DNA. Nature, 576(7785), 149-157.

Kime, E. (2021). CRISPR and the ethics of gene editing. Nature Reviews Genetics, 22(1), 3-4.

This post only scratches the surface of the profound transformations occurring in genetic engineering. The relentless pursuit of knowledge and ethical exploration will shape the future of this field as we continue to unlock the intricate secrets of our genetic code.

[egophiliac]

have you been keeping up with gavv? because holy hell, i think the beginning arc has been one of the strongest beginnings we've had. so many goddamn emotional moments and crazy good fights

oh Gavv has been excellent so far, I've been enjoying it a lot! :> Shoma's an absolutely delightful protagonist, and the balance between "cute silly candy shenanigans" and "urban fantasy crime noir" is...working surprisingly well, actually?

although it does lead to the show basically having two modes:

[incognitopolls]

This poll is about whether you would be willing to pass your genetic health issues on to biological children. For the purposes of this poll, answer based on this question alone– if you don't want to have children for other reasons, try to put those reasons aside and answer solely on the basis of whether you would want hypothetical children to inherit your condition(s).

For the purposes of this poll, do not include the possibility of IVF + PGD (in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic diagnosis), which allows the parents to choose a healthy embryo or an embryo with specific traits to be conceived.

Be civil in the comments and remember that real people live with every one of the conditions you could bring up in your hypothetical arguments. If you have a condition that aligns with this question, feel free to discuss your reasoning, but I encourage anyone who does not have a condition like this to refrain from speculating on the value of lives with such conditions. Do not use this post as a platform for eugenics.

–

We ask your questions anonymously so you don’t have to! Submissions are open on the 1st and 15th of the month.

[savagechickens]

Method Madness.

And more genetics.

[crimeronan]

On the Luz, Vee and Hunter homeless in Gravesfield era... I'm just imagining there being like... reports of a wolf in the woods (Vee being responsible and nabbing food for them in a way that won't get them caught for stealing) alongside the reports of a trio of kids living out there alongside maybe a parent... But Camila is more interested about what the heck a wolf is doing out in woods where there haven't been any in centuries (and hasn't realized one of those kids is luz yet) so it taking a poke around to see that's going on (being slightly life ambivalent about it but shh) and then stumbles into where the trio are staying, finding them all snuggled up with Vee in wolf form keeping them warm and acting distinctly non-wolflike and talking. Camila overhearing them talking about totally magical shit and then just having a slightly massive panic when Hunter or Vee calls Luz by her name.

YES YES YES I'M OBSESSED WITH THIS. i love the idea of camila wanting to get to the bottom of the wolf thing from an animal welfare perspective. like, it's pretty common for people to mistake large coyotes for wolves, but not this Many people, and the blurry night trail pics on nextdoor don't look like a coyote at all. did someone just release a 1st gen wolfdog in the woods and call it a day??

(i don't know what connecticut's laws are like re: wolfdogs and crossbred exotics bc every state is different & it's not my area of expertise. camila would Definitely know though.)

camila's heart leaping into her Throat when she sees the "wolf" around kids, and then her hearing it speak and being like "oh, it's a..... costume.....?" a la yesterday's lie, and then she's like. hey. actually what the fuck.

Compels Meeee....

[apostate-in-an-alcove]

Dog people who are obsessed with pedigree and bloodlines in their dogs give off real 'white supremacist with a passion for eugenics' vibes.

[rachaelmayo]

What do you get when you cross a cockatoo and an octopus? ...A call from the ethics board and revocation of your grant, most likely... 😜

This is The Nefarious Octoparrot, another personal favorite, from 2008.

Mom fostered an umbrella cockatoo for a year or so. That bird was, in fact, a cat with feathers. A smart one. She got into everything, and was naturally a cat-3 hurricane wherever she went. Great bird. I imagined how much fun she would be if she had octopus arms to help her get into stuff... And here's where I landed. This obviously isn't an umbrella cockatoo; it's a fantasy birb with parrot and cockatoo overtones. The octopus details are also entirely fantastic rather than modeled on any extant species. (Though there might have been nudibranch inspiration for the colors and patterns.)

Prismacolor pencil over watercolor.

[namorian]

Star Trek: the future is kinda sorta utopian. Like it’s now Mostly Not Bad and people are Usually Good

Me, gleefully making ocs: so this is a whole multi-planetary faction of primarily clone cyborgs who are just warhammer 40k for cowards (read: the cover of a metal album but a whole society) and this is a planet of human colonists that got shunted back in time and way across space who’ve devolved into mad max shit and these two are mistreated orphans who become best friends and basically run a criminal organization just out of reach of the primary political powers and this—

[tomthomasblog]

Transhumanism: A Challenge to Human Understanding

In recent years, the idea of transhumanism has gained considerable attention. This belief revolves around the idea of using technology to enhance the human condition. While it promises exciting advancements—like improved health, longer life, and enhanced abilities—it also raises significant ethical questions. How far should we go in altering what it means to be human? The blending of human and animal traits through genetic modification invites deep moral considerations and challenges our understanding of nature itself. Let’s delve deeper into this complex topic and explore its implications for humanity and spirituality.

Transhumanism isn't a modern concept; it has roots that trace back thousands of years. Historical events, such as the great flood mentioned in the Bible, showcase humanity's long-standing interest in altering the natural order. According to scripture, people before the flood lived for an extended period, with lifespans around 120 years and longer. This longevity could seem like a precursor to some of the aspirations of transhumanism. It illustrates humanity’s desire to reach beyond natural limits. However, such advancements carry responsibilities. Understanding the significance of life and our actions remains crucial as we explore the potential of altering our genetics in pursuit of a “better” humanity.

As we contemplate these ideas, living a life aligned with the intentions of God becomes even more important. Engaging with our spiritual beliefs invites deeper meanings and purpose into our lives. Instead of solely seeking enhancements through technology, we should reflect on how our choices resonate with our beliefs. The pursuit of a good life harmonizes with God’s teachings and can lead us toward fulfillment beyond what technology may offer. By making decisions that honor our spirituality, we keep ourselves grounded in values that transcend biological enhancements.

The discourse around transhumanism encourages us to consider what it truly means to be human. Are we defined solely by our biological makeup, or is there a more profound essence to our being? These questions compel individuals to reflect on their relationship with creation. As we explore new frontiers in science and technology, we must recognize the potential costs to our humanity and spiritual integrity. Every advancement, while promising, may also lead us away from natural human experiences and have unforeseen consequences.

In conclusion, the conversation surrounding transhumanism is both exciting and complex. It not only calls for innovation but also for reflection on our moral beliefs and responsibilities as humans. We must balance our aspirations for enhancement with a deep understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life. As you consider the advancements in technology, take a moment to reflect on your values and the essence of your humanity. Embrace the challenge of grounding your aspirations in spiritual awareness. Ask yourself: What costs are associated with striving for a better version of ourselves? This reflection could lead to profound insights and a more intentional life aligned with deeper purposes.

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The Scripture Collection Playlist A compilation of 20 uplifting music videos inspired by a different Bible scripture. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoBTz-QtgDhox4diwLqHBjD4W-CtzM-8v

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Website: https://bwpub.net/

I wrote the song "Beyond the Stars" based on "A Journey Beyond Humanity"

punk electropop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZlXWbehEnI sitar alternative r&b https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx6VDrTUuEM bengali electropop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wj6qBU2Xck

[videoworm]

B'Lanna carrying her childhood trauma with her all stuffed down very real. Very good episode

(the tags are full of spoilers lol)

[minecraftorangesheepjpg]

yelled at my roommate for spewing eugenics in my face :)

[crymeariveronceagain]

IF YOU LIKE MY ANALYSIS OF KOTLC, YOU SHOULD READ THIS ARTICLE!!! The author has a BA in Literature and a Master's in Library Sciences!!!! Her article is addressed to adults and takes the tone of legitimate, actual criticism. What she's writing here is the kind of stuff that I do as an English Major at my college. The first things she says are from an adult point of view on the reading of KOTLC. Like, she's coming at it with the same point of view that I went into with my re-reads two years ago. It's very critical and very interesting. The ethical points she raises are things I've noticed Shannon bringing up herself!!!! And the criticism of it not knowing what to do with its huge heavy topics is completely supported by the text!!! STARS ABOVE THIS IS SOME GOOD CLOSE READING!!! I love it so much. I need to hold onto this article forever and ever!!!! COVERT DYSTOPIA ASDLKSAJDLJK LET'S FREAKING GOOO!!!

[troythecatfish]

[farahfriday]

i am so sorry … but … your ghost looks like one of the pesto twins from bob’s burgers 😭

get used to it cus by the time im done brainwashing you all, seeing a picture of professor farnsworth or grandpa simpson is gonna trigger a pavlovian orgasm

[boyheros]

are there any fun facts abt ur clones that ud want the average viewer to know?

SO sorry i got this ask when i was super busy and then. forgot. ANYWAYS here we go. crash-course in oc clone basics:

in the context of the story, the human species has been on a major decline for a whiiiiile. going extinct basically. cloning was meant as a sortof stop-gap to try and bolster the population, BUT, making clones wasn't actually the original goal of the whole endeavor, it was making "human facsimiles." they're very similar conceptually but not the same! human faxes are basically the clones you see often in popular media. an exact copy of someone, mind and memories and personality and all. conversely, clones are just. genetic copies of someone, they're completely unique people otherwise. like an identical twin (that you made in a lab, perhaps...) so yeah technically human faxes are leaning into the "trying to obtain immortality" area bc you're trying to make a new version of yourself that'll outlive you. whatever. no one was ever successful in making a true human fax, so clones became the hot new thing.

originally, clones were made test-tube baby style (again, how you see in media lol) BUT it took just as long as a normal pregnancy and was expensive and blah blah blah. eventually a new method was perfected which utilized techniques from 'base black manufacturing,' which was an innovative (nearly) no-waste method of manufacturing. that also was only performed on non-living things, prior to using it for cloning... so now clones are made on cloning machines !! (or sometimes "human facsimile machines," because when they found the new method they tried making faxes again lol. still didn't work). it's also important to me that you know: they aren't grown anymore. they're made. on the machine. you no longer have to wait a pesky 9 months for birth. and they aren't even born

when you donate your DNA, there's a posited rule that only 3 clones of you will EVER be made (3+1, or "three's a crowd" rule) but this often isn't the case depending on lineage. if your clone goes off and fosters a bigass (biological) family, then LIVON isn't gonna introduce more people with the same DNA into the gene pool. the human population is too low to risk that.....so yes LIVON basically monitors everyone they can in order to track this but. don't worry about it....

ok so those were large exposition paragraphs not "fun facts"... so here's a fact that is more fun (hopefully): almost all clones are made with bellybuttons, despite not ever being attached to an umbilical cord or anything. BUT! some clones do lack that feature. Maverick is one such clone lol.

[some-pers0n]

I hate word limits on essays so goddamn much. Why won't you let me ramble to you. Why won't you let me have the ability to make this good. Why do I have to cut corners and make it sloppier than it needs to be. Because you're lazy and don't want to read too much? Of course. For fucks sake...