Week 10

Stem Cells:

My first reaction to this article was almost shocked that the word clone actually came from the Greek word clonos. I was actually expecting that it would be branched off from a Latin root. According to this article by Aurelia, there are several pros and cons of cloning. Some of the pros that caught my attention was using cells and tissue to create organs which could be used to save a person's life. I thought it was amazing that our technology as evolved over the years to make miracles like these happen. The only issue is how morally right is it to use human cells for cloning? In my opinion, I felt as though it wasn't okay to use cells to clone humans. Organs are one thing, but another human being exactly the same as another, I feel isn't okay. The article also mentioned how the clone wouldn't be a real person. Then what is it? Another form of a being? I would argue that the clone would be a person. A human being, is a human being. Not just a carbon copy. I thought it was also interesting how the article talked about how cloning could be considered playing God. In a sense, I can see where the author was coming from, especially when it is believed that God created each of us, that we are altering the miracle of life. But then again, isn't creating life already a miracle?

Cloning Comeback:

This article was written by David Cyranoski. This specific article talked about how famous cloning researcher, Hwang, from Seoul Korea made a comeback in his career after being involved in a scientific outbreak fraud. It was hard knowing that his career and his image plumetted but it was also amazing to see what the scientific outbreak in later years did for him and the University he studied at. He began getting more supporters from the government, other researchers and he was even getting legal recognition for his claim of creating that line of cloned human embryonic cells. It's fascinating to know how far science can go and how fragile the topic of cloning can be. He then began to become famous for his promise to his country to bring cloned cattle after he create the first full cloned bull. Cloning animals for his country would bring an ample amount of profit and also create an improved image and reputation. He then established Sooam which is using their cloned cows for special treatment using their milk. Although he was getting famous over the years, it didn't mean he was struggling with other controversies in between. I guess being a scientist is almost like being a celebrity except there is so much more at stake then a racy photo. At this point Dr. Hwang has already taken so many risks and second chances but he was able to pick himself back up every time.

Stem Cells from Hastings Center:

This article basicallhy gives an outline and background of stem cells; what we can do with them. This type of research is expanding greatly and is giving breakthroughs for treatment in different diseases and health conditions like diabetes and Parkinsons. Researchers and doctors are using the improvement in stem cells research to really understand more about other diseases, illnesses to hopefully find treatments for them. One of the only concerns about this type of research includes how much recognition and positive treatment embryo donors would receive. In my opinion it's almost like how much appreciation a surrogate mother should receive. Based from the article, I also found it interesting that there is such thing as IPS which reprograms human skin cells. I never thought that human cells could be "reprogrammed". Some of the things that need to be done in order to make stem cell research more successful is getting it standardized basically, or approved. Especially considering we are talking about using and testing humans. I think that in the next 20 years, this stem cell research will have a break through. I mean, considering how far we've already come with the technology we already have..I feel like we can get there. My only concern is, how will be ensure that if it happens, we won't abuse it?