The Ethics of Using Stem-cell Research - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1848 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/06/26 Category Biology Essay Level High school Tags: Stem Cell Essay Did you like this example? The ethics of using stem-cell research has become a great issue in the past few years. The advocates for both sides of the issue have many reasons to conduct the research or not to. This issue arose after the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Ethics of Using Stem-cell Research" essay for you Create order After this, the question Can we use stem-cell research to clone human beings? shifted to Do we want to clone human beings? Many people are scared of the idea that we can just copy ourselves; its not natural. The debate and discussions have been very emotional. Stem-cell research has become a hot topic as technology advances, but because of the risk factors, the way society will react to the research, and the fact that scientists are toying with the laws of nature, it should be banned worldwide. History of issue The stem-cell controversy deals with research ethics that include the development, use and destruction of human embryos. This controversy is more often focused on embryonic stem cells. Its not just human embryos that are involved in stem cell research. For example, different stem-cell research like adult, induced pluripotent, and amniotic do not involve the use, creation, or destruction of human embryos. Other sources of less controversial stem cell research includes the use of umbilical cord, breast milk and bone marrow cells. Stem-cell research was first conducted on Dolly the sheep. The first mammal in history was cloned by Ian Wilmut and his colleagues from the Roslin Institute in Scotland (1996). The successful clone was a sheep, named Dolly. But what really happened during the experiment? The experiment began with 277 fused eggs, 29 of which were fertilized. The fertilized embryos were then reallocated to 13 sheep, but only one of them became pregnant with Dolly on 5 July 1996. There were several dead fetuses from the remaining twelve sheep(Trefil and Hazen 66). Later it was concluded that the methods and the technology used were not very efficient. Dolly eventually died of an abnormal disease in sheep of her age in early 2003. Should we continue with stem-cell research to clone just so more sex cells will be sacrificed? Thomas E. Lovejoy quoted, Genetic engineers do not make new genes, they simply rearrange existing ones (Lee, Turnpenny. Is Cloning Mad, Bad and Dangerous?). Genetic diversity can be l ost due to these gene rearrangements. A species may become extinct due to inbreeding within the population. Stem cell research should therefore not be carried out for cloning. Overview of sources The ability to create human embryonic stem cell lines from the inner cell mass of blastocysts has led to considerable debate on how to regulate these scientific developments. Many scholars and commentators have expressed their opinions on the subject of stem-cell research. The biggest concern is that this research involves playing God. Also, gene diversity may be lost because of gene alterations of an organisms genotypic composition. Aside from all the negative impacts of stem-cell research, the main beneficial use of it would be used for infertility which is caused by genetic defects. Summary of source 1 Peter Dabrock, a professor at University of Marburg, argues against stem-cell research in an article called Playing God? Synthetic biology as a theological and ethical challenge. This article was published on October 10, 2009. Dabrock provides a convincing reason in support of his position. Dabrock, and other critics, view the innovation of stem-cell research as morally suspect because it is viewed as playing god. To conduct this particular research, embryos must be destroyed when stem cells are harvested, and the outcome is equal to the taking of life, which many believe that only God has the power to do. Dabrock states: The heart of many religions, including biblical tradition, is touched when science questions the privilege of the deity or God to decide on the transitions between life and the inanimate. Hence, it seems for many religious people plausible to identify synthetic biology with a new and formerly unknown overstepping of this boundary. (Dabrock) Dabrock explains the situation very well. This argument reflects the view that divine creation is perfect and that it is inappropriate to alter it in any way. Evaluation of source 1 Besides cloning organs and tissues, the subject of taking a human life is what generates the most controversy of all. People believe that it is not ethical to kill an innocent life for the sake of scientific research. These beliefs are based on the assumption that God created human beings in his own image and that God gives them their souls. Therefore, it is not our place to create nor destroy a human being; it is Gods. We would be playing God, in their opinion, and that should not happen. This is the main argument that sets the boundary for the majority of people who are against cloning. Summary of source 2 According to Ehud Isacoff, gene diversity may be lost because of gene alterations of an organisms genotypic composition. Genetic diversity prevents a single pathogen from wiping out the whole population. Gene mutations occur naturally. Thomas Hunt Morgan discovered and described the first gene mutation observed in a fruit fly in 1910 (Isacoff, Ehud Y. Isolation and characterization of the Xanthine dehydrogenase gene of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata.). When gene diversity is lost, people suffer from diseases (genetic diseases in most cases) due to their genetic composition. Nettie Stevens and Edmund Wilson (1905) described the XX genes in females and the XY genes of males (Reich. Cloning crisis goes from bad to worse: amid claim and counterclaim, the apparent triumphs of Koreas stem-cell stars are rapidly unraveling.). When cloned by using stem-cell technology, an organism has identical genes and is high risk to acquire recessive diseases from both parents. There a re 15,500 genetic diseases according to a 1994 Genetic diseases stats sheet release (Ponciano. Hierarchical Models in Ecology: Confidence Intervals, Hypothesis Testing, and Model Selection Using Data Cloning.Ecology 90.2 (2009): 356â€Å"362). Due to the same genotypes in cloned people, breeding is very likely to occur. Evaluation of source 2 Ehud Isacoff presents a valid argument against stem-cell research. A species may be extinct due to inbreeding within the population, i.e. only if cloning occurs in the population. Inbreeding, also defined by the University of Utah, involves the mating of genetically related individuals (Fritz 47). Since clones have identical genes, inbreeding will occur. But how is extinction possible? While some propose that inbreeding is beneficial to a population, statistics and studies have shown that they there are more than 7.3 million infertility cases in the United States of America (Lee. Is Cloning Mad, Bad and Dangerous? EMBO reports 8.1 (2007): 2. ProQuest). If stem-cell research is practiced, there would be more genetically related individuals to mate, but who would reproduce if the infertility rates are maximized? Humans with animals? I didnt think so. Summary of source 3 Besides all the negative impacts that stem-cell research would have on society, there are many beneficial uses of it as well. One of these is a treatment for infertility. Infertility is caused by genetic defects, reproductive organ injuries, congenital defects, toxic substances and radiation exposure. Many assisted-reproduction technologies have been developed. This includes surrogate mothers for women without a functional uterus, intracytoplasmic sperm injection for males who cant produce viable sperm, and IVF for women with blocked or missing fallopian tubes. However, these treatments have proven to be highly inefficient and they can not help people whose reproductive organs have not developed or have been removed. Twelve million Americans are infertile at childbearing age (Reich. Cloning crisis goes from bad to worse: amid claim and counterclaim, the apparent triumphs of Koreas stem-cell stars are rapidly unraveling. New Scientist 188.2531-2532 (2005): 4.Expanded Academic ASAP). They will use painful and costly treatments for years to have little chance of success. Another extremely useful application of the stem-cell technology would be the cloning of organs or tissues for the body. With that, we could not only cure suffering and death, we could extend our lives for decades. It would not be uncommon for people to live to one hundred and fifty years old, or older. If a kidney fails in old age, take the few good cells left and clone a brand new kidney. Clone a new heart when someone suffers a massive heart attack. After more development of stem-cell research, there is even the possibility to repair brain and spinal column damage. If you really think about it, these life-prolonging procedures would probably be reserved for the rich and famous, and not on everyone, as discussed before. Numerous of remarkable benefits can come from stem-cell technology, but not all of it is guaranteed. My mother always told me, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Evaluation of source 3 Reich raises some good points on how stem-cell research could be used to benefit the health of suffering individuals. The excitement of stem cell research primarily results from the medical advantages in regenerative medicine and therapeutic cloning. Stem cells provide huge potential for finding treatments and cures to a vast array of medical issues like infertility, cancer, Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease and much more. The writers position and reasoning As a biology student, I attempted to approach both sides with an unbiased opinion. I personally think that the world of genetics is fascinating, but after learning of what is now possible through technology, I changed my mind about pursuing a career in the field. I see stem-cell research as a wonderful advancement in technology and knowledge. I do not think it should be used to reproduce humans though. I do not believe that we should try to develop other ways beside the natural way to bring life into this world. Cloning tissues and organs falls under a different category then cloning human beings. I believe that cloning tissues and organs would be beneficial for science and medicine. The research involves fetal tissue, however, which is an entirely different ethical debate. So, with my present understanding I would allow stem-cell research for cloning tissues and organs only. Conclusion Today, the topic of stem-cell research generates more argument then it has ever created before. The controversy over using stem-cell research for cloning is based, in part, on the fact that there are extreme opposing viewpoints on the subject. Also a major factor in the debate over stem-cell research is a fear of new technology. Considering the fact that scientists are uncertain about their own methods and technology, the lost loss of genetic diversity and the possibility of extinction of a population, should stem-cell research even be practiced? Positively, in 2001 Bill Clinton banned cloning. However, research was allowed to be continued so that scientists, perhaps, will be able to promise and prove that their methods and technology are safe to be practiced (Fritz 68). For now, they should not practice stem-cell research because they will put the entire population of planet earth, both humans and animals, in jeopardy. A new evolutionary period would have to restart. We would enter an entirely new evolutionary period that could be more catastrophic than progressive. Is that something youre willing to risk? Think of cloning as plagiarism copying and pasting, its wrong, hence the title!

Regulation Of The United States Federal Government

Regulation The way a society functions is strictly based on the type of culture in which they reside in. A individuals, habits, actions and personality are all shaped, by the infrastructure, rules, and regulations that they have to abide by while residing in society. It is not to say that these policies are a negative notion, but they do certainly shape your lifestyle, and your choices in many ways. By taking a look at regulation it is important to note that, our government has a huge role in the lives of its citizens it resides over. The United States Federal government has its exercise of sovereignty, in other-words, it has legal and accepted authority to regulate people’s living within a certain geographic area that it has jurisdiction†¦show more content†¦Regulation is a major activity at all levels of government. As society becomes more complex, regulations must grow and evolved to meet the demands of a developing society. Concentrating more on the role of regula tion, it can be noted that it is a system that helps protect individuals from one another. So from buyers to sellers; from employee to employer; tenants to landlords, and so on. Regulations is also implemented to alleviate human suffering and promote overall welfare. For instance, aid in the form of Social Security and to Veterans, natural disaster relief, regulation of pollution and toxins, as well as temporary assistance for the unemployed. Last, and most importantly regulation is implemented to minimize and eliminate corruption and abuse of power by government agencies or officials. (Book Source) Taking into account the terms and ideologies stated above, it is easily understood why, we as individuals have decided for so many years, to abide by this social contract with our government. We gain the most benefit from this quid pro quo relationship. Administrative Law and Regulatory Agencies Since we abide by this social contract, it is important to understand how this system works for its citizens that it has jurisdiction over. By looking from the outside in, how our government operates is illustrated by its

Binder Ready Version Concepts And Practices -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Binder Ready Version Concepts And Practices? Answer: Introduction In the present study, it is about the internal and external users of government and business and their differences. Further, the study is about the two grounds on which the reporting model is prepared. It is more difficult to differentiate between internal as well as external users in government as compared to business, as constituents like taxpayers might have considerable roles in forming strategies and policies that are frequently taken into accounting in the monarchy of managers. Furthermore, legislators are said to be internal to some degree as they set policies, but external as far as the managerial brand should account to the legislative branch (Granof, Khumawala, Smith, 2016). The major users of government are inclusive of governing boards, creditors, and investors, members of organizations, citizens, donors, regulatory agencies and constituents. Governments require accounting standards and reporting tools that distinguish from those of businesses. They have other important objectives than profit maximization. Thus, their progress cannot be considered by the traditional bottom-lines and users of business. In addition to, they are governed by their own budgets instead of th e competitive markets. Both the GASB and FASB have instituted objectives of financial reporting that put force on the significance of offering information that allows users to consider inter-period compliance with the mandates of budgets. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34 (GASB 34) command important modification in the detailing financial practices of local and state governments externally. Investigation of information from bookkeeping and authorities of state and local governments shows that they trusted GASB 34 would do moderately little to enhance the convenience of their legislatures reports. In accordance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (U.S), provisions of GASB 34 were prepared by considering general purpose and special purpose governments. The general purpose includes states, urban areas, district, villages and towns. Nonetheless, there are numerous further legislative elements, inclusive of PHAs which are not wide-ranging purpose but same are categorized into distinct purpose governments that give a constrained arrangement of administrations or projects (Bloch, 2016). The general and special purpose government are the two grounds on which the reporting model under GASB No. 34 is being prepared. These two are completely different to the extent of their purpose and services. In terms of general purpose; governments incorporate administrations which could incorporate law management to street and road maintenance, whereas special purpose government are more concentrated and are more engaged in , for instance, the Department of Housing and Urban Development bargains solely with lodging needs, air housing openings and change and improvement of the groups (Kim Ebdon, 2017). Conclusion The present study shows that the internal and external users of government and commercial businesses are completely different. Further, the study concludes that there are two perspectives on which the reporting model under GASB No. 34 can be prepared References Bloch, R. (2016). Assessing the Impact of GASB Statement No. 34: The Perceptions of Municipal Bond Analysts.Municipal Finance Journal,37(2). Granof, M. H., Khumawala, S. B., Smith, D. L. (2016).Government and Not-for-profit Accounting, Binder Ready Version: Concepts and Practices. John Wiley Sons. Kim, J., Ebdon, C. (2017). HAVE THE GASB NO. 34 INFRASTRUCTURE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AFFECTED STATE HIGHWAY SPENDING?.Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting Financial Management,29(3).

Narcissism Essays (605 words) - Narcissism, Psychology,

Narcissism Is our negative branding of narcissism a defense against a demanding call of the soul to be loved? Thomas Moore Care of the Soul Narcissism is the egotistic sense of self-importance, but paradoxically underneath this attitude, the narcissist is simply a victim of a fragile low self-esteem. It is the underlying sense of inferiority that is the real problem of the narcissist, and their pretense is just a disguise used to cover their deeper feelings of inadequacy. Since narcissists are often incapable of asserting genuine self-meaning, they seek admiration from others because they desire acceptance and approval (as we all do) but lack the ability to find any from within. In looking at the story of Narcissus, I was so inspired by the new translation and meaning given to it by Thomas Moore. By denying our narcissistic tendencies and by labeling this part of our shadow as negative, we our only stifling the growth that our soul desires. The further we push narcissism away from us by disowning it, the more self consumed we actually become. Narcissus longed to love, and not until he discovered himself was he able to do so. When he was able to clearly see himself in the pool of water, he than experienced a life transformation. Bob Keagan, as discussed in class, would better explain that Narcissus was in a state of transition. Narcissism is a condition in which a person does not love himself. (Moore, p 71) In my own life, self-love was one of the greatest and most valuable lessons learned through very difficult circumstances. I discovered that the importance of self-acceptance must first be established from within if I was ever to sincerely receive love from another. Thomas Moore explains that the greatest curses in our lives are actually blessings in disguise because not until we are in a state of need, do we desire change. I love the description that Moore gives of Narcissus at the pool. He explains that what is taking place is a transforming, and life-threatening, psychotic episode (Moore, p 59). His narration is such an accurate depiction of how we all feel while in the state of transition. As we have discussed in class, we often must become uncomfortable before growth will occur. Although Narcissus discovered the outward appearance of himself, the pool identified the depth and core of his person. His reflection was much deeper than the surface, and he was able to see himself for the first time as an object, and only then was he able to love himself (Moore, p 63). For me, this was a profound statement because seeing oneself as an object means shifting from an egocentric and shallow mindset to a much deeper and heartfelt state which is much greater than the surface person we tend to embrace. Love of a new image of self leads to new knowledge about oneself and ones potential (Moore, p 63). Our potential does not create our attitude, but our attitude creates our potential. When people change their perception of self, then their lives will inevitably display an outward change as well. Embracing our narcissism simply means that we pay attention and learn from it. When we display narcissistic behavior, or when we find ourselves offended by narcissistic people, we must pay close attention to what our soul is telling us. For if narcissism is an outward display of our lack of inward love, than our soul is merely seeking to be nourished and needs greater acceptance and approval from within. Mythology