Touchstone 2.2: Create an Annotated Bibliography

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Touchstone 1.2

Cathy Xue Chen

English Composition II

06/29/2023

Touchstone 1.2

Research question

What are some of the major ethical and welfare problems associated with the use of genetic engineering in cloning people and animals?

Thesis statement

In addition to other kinds of biotechnology, genetic engineering has to be based on exhaustive study and stringent ethical guidelines to safeguard vulnerable persons.

Outline

I. Introduction

As a result of attempts to improve upon what was already made, several ideas have surfaced within the field of biotechnology. Experiments have been conducted on many different concepts utilizing domestic animals to create species with genes that are desired. Even though many trials have resulted in catastrophic failures, researchers are continuing to apply their findings to human subjects. Following the ethical concerns made in a variety of areas regarding the well-being of animal and human subjects, recent advances in genetic engineering and cloning have given rise to conflicts in the scientific community (Rollin, 2020). Experiments on gene modification should be carried out in conjunction with ethical norms, societal considerations, and in-depth research to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. This is because gene alteration is a significant problem in a wide variety of contexts. Therefore, genetic engineering, like other kinds of biotechnology, should rely on extensive study and ethical norms to safeguard vulnerable persons.

II. Body

Body paragraph 1: animal welfare

· When experimenting with novel ideas in gene editing, scientists need to be mindful of the well-being of the animals involved. Scientists have a moral obligation to put the needs of the animals they use in research at the forefront of their minds as they pursue novel ideas in the field of gene editing. Since animals are often used in scientific study, scientists must treat them with the utmost care, respect, and compassion as they explore new territory.

· In North America (both the United States and Canada), several studies have been carried out utilizing the development of genetically engineered animals. Numerous investigations into the field of genetically altered animals have been done in North America, which includes both the United States and Canada (Johnson, 2022). These experiments include the intentional manipulation of an animal's DNA using cutting-edge biotechnology. Researchers want to learn more about the genetic basis of qualities like hardiness to illness and their possible uses in industries as diverse as agriculture, medicine, and environmental protection through these kinds of studies. These results provide exciting new possibilities for scientific inquiry and possible societal advantages through genetic engineering.

· During the process of putting new scientific methodologies into reality, the majority of scientific procedures do not adhere to society's ideals. Most scientific processes are not in line with society's standards, and this is something that is commonly seen throughout the process of putting new scientific methodology into practice. Through careful testing and analysis, scientists seek to find objective facts and increase our collective body of knowledge. However, cultural, ethical, and moral issues are just a few of the many sources that shape society's values. This might lead to a disconnect between the methods used in science and the ideals upheld by the general public.

· Even though the method is widely accepted, the authorities need to adopt laws that protect the animals' well-being while they are subjected to the research. Even though a certain research method is generally accepted, the government still has to pass rules that give top priority to the safety and happiness of the animals used in the study. The advancement of knowledge and the betterment of human life are both dependent on scientific research, but this research should not be conducted at the expense of animals.

Body paragraph 2: extinction of animal species

· Both the demise of animal species and the inadequacy of scientific research have evolved into urgent problems that demand new policies. The dual threats of species extinction and inadequate scientific research have escalated to emergency levels, necessitating the adoption of new legislative measures right once (Valdez, et al. 2019). Several reasons, including loss of habitat, rising temperatures, and illegal poaching, have contributed to an alarming rate of species extinction. The loss of biodiversity has many negative consequences, including the disruption of ecosystems and the endangerment of many species, some of which may have medicinal or other intrinsic value.

· In recent years, there has been a shift in weight away from the principles of creation and toward the chase of scientific information, which has led to an upsurge in the amount of examples in which duplicating and genetic engineering have been used. Recent years have seen a marked shift in the leading focus, one that may be seen as a leaving from the principles of formation and a hold of the relentless quest for scientific information. This has led to a clear upsurge in the number of cases where duplicating and genetic engineering have played a role. This change specifies a snowballing gratitude for the power of science to resolve hard difficulties and widen our worldview.

· Even if some of the experiments have been successful, the overall effect of genetic engineering has been to hasten the demise of entire species. While some genetic engineering projects have been successful, the field as a whole has hastened the extinction of many species. While successes in isolation might highlight progress, they can't hide the serious implications that many ecosystems are feeling right now. Genetic engineering's goal of molecular manipulation has had unexpected consequences that threaten ecosystem stability and hastened the extinction of many species.

Body paragraph 3: adverse impacts on human subjects and the environment

· The attempts that have been made to change genes in people and animals have given rise to arguments over the subjects' undesirable consequences as well as the surroundings owing to the intricacy of the structures. Intense arguments have been sparked by the attempts to alter genes in both humans and animals, due to the potential for unintended effects. Further complicating these issues is the complicated nature of genetic architecture, which means that changing genes can have far-reaching consequences on both people and their environments (Prescott, 2020). Concerns have been voiced regarding the possible adverse impacts, long-term health repercussions, and disturbance of ecosystems that might result from gene manipulation.

· Because the systems that makeup humans and animals are so complicated, such an intervention requires extensive research before it can be put into practice. Human and animal biological systems are complicated, therefore it's important to do your homework before making any changes. The complexity of these systems necessitates a thorough comprehension of their inner workings, potential repercussions, and ethical issues because of the wide range of operations and functions they cover.

· In recent years, biotechnology has been used without sufficient study, which has resulted in several issues in animals. The use of biotechnology has skyrocketed in recent years; however, it has been noted that it is often put into practice without sufficient scientific investigation. Unfortunately, many issues that only impact animals have arisen because of insufficient research. Health worries, environmental effects, and moral quandaries are all included in this category. Consequences of using biotechnology in animal-related contexts have appeared without the requisite degree of research and knowledge, indicating the urgent need for more complete investigations and evaluations to address and mitigate these concerns effectively.

Body paragraph 4: ethics of creation

· When it comes to deciding whether or not genetic studies have any practical use, the ethics of creation have a significant impact. The ethics of creation are highly influential in determining whether or not genetic research has any real-world applications. Many real-world uses of genetic research are complicated by ethical concerns about things like creating and manipulating biological forms (Sandler, 2020). This situation raises concerns about the limits of science, the effects on people and society, and the morality of experimenting on living things.

· The goals of genetic experimentation are considered as being incompatible with the ideals, beliefs, and standards that are upheld by religion. It is common for people to believe that the aims of genetic testing are incompatible with the ideas, beliefs, and standards that are supported by religion. Religious doctrines emphasize both the sanctity of life and the concept that people are made in the image of a divine entity. A divine being is believed to have been the model for human creation. The manipulation of genetic material, which entails making changes to the basic components of life, can be seen as either playing God or interfering with the natural order that was set up by a higher force.

· Various features of biotechnology are said to mirror humanity's curiosity in questioning God's creation, as shown by various religious traditions.

Body paragraph 5: impacts on the social structure

· Concerns about a potential negative impact on social order are raised as a direct consequence of the application of genetic engineering to humans.

· The hypothesis of creation is called into question by psychologists because it may have implications for childrearing (Shafique, 2020).

· Humans can endure strained mother-to-child interactions due to the development of new progeny independent of reproduction.

III. Conclusion

· The practice of genetic engineering and cloning should take into account cultural values, creation accounts, the impact of scientific research on various species, and most significantly, the welfare of the species being studied (Babale, 2021).

· The governing bodies ought to come up with policies that foster support for animal states and reduce the amount of harm done to the many species already in existence.

· Because it takes into account the fundamentals of human existence as well as the implications of biotechnology for various animal species, research is an important instrument in this area.

Reflection questions

Question 1

I developed abilities in determining the validity, trustworthiness, and reliability of sources as a result of the experience of gathering information about the research. This made the experience enlightening. The process of incorporating all of these concepts into one research proved a formidable obstacle.

Question 2

The articulation of the thesis is crystal clear and succinct, and it lays a framework for merging ideas from a variety of different domains. The statement does a good job of addressing the basic issues that are associated with subjects related to genetic engineering, which therefore provides a clear understanding of the cause of action. In addition to this, the thesis paints a clear picture of the study that was done, which made the collection of sources much simpler.

Question 3

The overview addresses some of the more significant concerns that have been raised about the scientific methods of cloning and genetic editing. The overview covers the most important aspects of the spiritual principles and creative traditions that are relevant to the current tenure (Babale, 2021). The framework also includes considerations for matters such as threats to human health and the disappearance of species from the environments in which they formerly thrived. In general, scientists need to take into account social values, animal welfare, and the negative repercussions that are associated with genetic alteration.

Question 4

It would be beneficial to the development of the research if the comments included more sources that related to the research topics. In light of the prior investigations conducted on the subject of this research, which approaches may I use to carry out an analysis of the data? Which aspects of the practice of genetic engineering in people and animals are deserving of support, and why?

References

Babale, Y. K., & Atoi, E. N. (2021). Ethical Concerns and Risk Perceptions Associated with the Application of Genetic Engineering.  KIU Journal of Social Sciences,  7(3), 231-238.

Johnson, L. S. M. (2022). Existing ethical tensions in xenotransplantation.  Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics,  31(3), 355-367.

Prescott, M. J. (2020). Ethical and welfare implications of genetically altered non-human primates for biomedical research.  Journal of applied animal ethics research,  2(2), 151-176.

Rollin, B. E. (2020). Ethical and societal issues occasioned by xenotransplantation.  Animals,  10(9), 1695.

Sandler, R. (2020). The ethics of genetic engineering and gene drives in conservation.  Conservation Biology,  34(2), 378-385.

Shafique, S. (2020). Scientific and ethical implications of human and animal cloning.  International Journal of Science, Technology and Society,  8(1), 9-17.

Valdez, R. X., Kuzma, J., Cummings, C. L., & Nils Peterson, M. (2019). Anticipating risks, governance needs, and public perceptions of de-extinction.  Journal of Responsible Innovation,  6(2), 211-231.

Wrigley, A. J., & Newson, A. (2021). Genetic modification.  Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy.