Posted by alexandra_k on May 29, 2005, at 17:57:32
In reply to Re: Whats wrong with stem cell research » alexandra_k, posted by Nickengland on May 29, 2005, at 13:11:52
> Hmm maybe what I was talking about was more to do with genetics and not stem cell research? I'm not sure to be perfectly honest although perhaps there is a link somewhere.
I think so...
You see, people are working on 'gene mapping'.
That is about finding where characteristics like eye colour etc are located on the chromosomes. Some genetic diseases are locatable too so that is one obvious practical application of the project. There is still a lot of work to be done on this.There could be the practical application of being able to 'fix' genetic disorders (or screen embryos so that the parents can have a healthy child).
But yeah, there is also the practical application of 'designer babies'.
> Curiously enough;
> USA Designer Babies
> Select Sex of Baby with PGD 100% California Egg Donors Online Photos
> www.eggdonors.comSelecting sex, hmm...
The danger is what one society culture decides are the desirable characteristics. Basically, diversity is good - the more diverse human beings are the more chance we have of being able to adapt should the environment alter...
We don't know what certain characteristics might come in handy for one day.
For instance, fair skin is all very well in a cold / dark country... But with the decreasing ozone layer people with fair skin are a whole heap more susceptible to skin cancer.
I can't remember which way round it goes... But one sort of eye colour can detect light wavelengths on a slightly lower end of the spectrum which enables better vision in darker conditions.
So....
We are wise not to make lots of 'all the same'...
> Maybe I was talking about embryonic stem cells? lol I really dont have a clue, although i'd be interested to know more if anyone else can shed some light on this matter.
To the best of my knowledge... gene mapping is a different project to stem cell research...
poster:alexandra_k
thread:504387
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20050509/msgs/504887.html