03 November 2007
Of Mice and Genes...
Researchers have bred a ‘mighty mouse’ that can run non-stop for up to six hours at 20 meters per minute, which is like Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France.The mouse is "made" using a technique called gene splicing. The resulting mice are called transgenic mice. Transgenic mice are constructed with recombinant DNA.
Recombinant DNA is made when a piece of random genetic material is inserted into the genes of a mouse.
WATCH THE CNN VIDEO
The new mouse eats 60% more than normal mice, remains fitter, and lives a longer life. By
studying the genes of a child born with unusually well developed muscles, an international research team has discovered the first evidence that the gene that makes "mighty mice" also controls muscle growth in people...Sounds like there are some ethical implications to me!
1. Is this use of an animal as a "genetic Guinea pig" ethical?
2. Do you think that we have (or are close to having) the ability to alter human muscles using a similar technique?
3. Would the creation of that "new human" be moral and ethical?
4. List one positive and one negative use of this type of genetic manipulation.
5. How would that "new human" affect: sports? medicine? life on the planet? care of the elderly?
6. Find a link that supports your opinion on any one of the questions above and include it within the text of your response for that question. (PS. Yes, you must still answer all the questions)
7. Take the poll below.
# posted by Henry @ 9:59 AM 
