Many believe that the practice of somatic-cell nuclear transfer with the goal of generating an embryonic stem-cell line is justified. Dr. Rudolf Jaenisch discusses the science and ethics of nuclear ...transplantation.
In addition to the moral argument against the use of somatic-cell nuclear transfer for the creation of a child (“reproductive cloning”), there are overwhelming scientific reasons to oppose this practice. In contrast, many believe that the practice of somatic-cell nuclear transfer with the goal of generating an embryonic stem-cell line (sometimes referred to as “therapeutic cloning”) is justified, because it holds the promise of yielding new ways of studying and treating a number of diseases. Once isolated from a patient, an embryonic stem cell thus derived would be “customized” to the needs of the patient who had served as the . . .
cloning sourcebook Klotzko, Arlene Judith
2001, 2001-07-19, 20010101
eBook, Book
A distinguished collection of papers by leading scientists and bioethicists on the science and social issues realted to large-animal cloning, the propspective medical benefits for development of ...pharmaceuticals in transgenic animals and of organs for xenotransplants, and the implications for thed so possibility of human cloning. Klotzko is among the best and most careful reporters on the development of large animal cloning, and a bioethicist with excellent connections to all the major workers in the field. The book provides a more thorough and authoritative assessment and explanation of what has been done and what is in prospect than any of then other books that have reported on animal cloning. There isn new progress in the cloning of other large mammals, including monkeys, along with scientists who are trying to clone humans. These new developments and efforts will ensure that the subject remains in the public attention over the next couple of years.
Fire ant venom is a complex mixture consisting of basic piperidine alkaloids, various biologically active peptides and protein components, including a variety of major allergenic proteins. Tropical ...fire ant
is an important stinging ant species that causes anaphylaxis and serious medical problems. Although the biological activities of allergenic venom proteins that are unique to ant venom, particularly
2 and 4, are still unknown, these proteins are believed to play important roles in mediating the effects of the piperidine derivatives in the venom.
In the present study, the cDNA cloning, sequencing and three-dimensional structure of Sol g 4.1 venom protein are described. The recombinant Sol g 4.1 protein (rSol g 4.1) was produced in
, and its possible function as a hydrophobic binding protein was characterized by paralyzing crickets using the 50% piperidine dose (PD
). Moreover, an antiserum was produced in mice to determine the allergenic properties of Sol g 4.1, and the antiserum was capable of binding to Sol g 4.1, as determined by Western blotting.
The molecular weight of Sol g 4.1 protein is 16 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The complete cDNA is 414 bp in length and contains a leader sequence of 19 amino acids. The protein consists of six cysteines that presumably form three disulfide bonds, based on a predicted three-dimensional model, creating the interior hydrophobic pocket and stabilizing the structure. The rSol g 4.1 protein was expressed in inclusion bodies, as determined by SDS-PAGE. Dialysis techniques were used to refold the recombinant protein into the native form. Its secondary structure, which primarily consists of α-helices, was confirmed by circular dichroism analysis, and the three-dimensional model was also verified. The results of allergenic analysis performed on mice showed that the obtained protein was predicted to be allergenically active. Moreover, we report on the possible role of the Sol g 4.1 venom protein, which significantly reduced the PD
from 0.027 to 0.013% in paralyzed crickets via synergistic effects after interactions with piperidine alkaloids.
The primary structure of Sol g 4.1 showed high similarity to that of venom proteins in the
2 and 4 family. Those proteins are life-threatening and produce IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. The possible function of this protein is the binding of the interior hydrophobic pockets with piperidine alkaloids, as determined by the analysis of the structural model and PD
test.
Advancements in science and technology have not only brought hope to humankind to produce disease-free offspring, but also offer possibilities to genetically enhance the next generation’s traits and ...capacities. Human genetic enhancement, however, raises complex ethical questions, such as to what extent should it be allowed? It has been a great challenge for humankind to develop robust ethical guidelines for human genetic enhancement that address both public concerns and needs. We believe that research about public concerns is necessary prior to developing such guidelines, yet the issues have not been thoroughly investigated in many countries, including Malaysia. Since the novel often functions as a medium for the public to express their concerns, this paper explores ethical concerns about human genetic enhancement expressed in four Malay science fiction novels namely
Klon, Leksikon Ledang, Transgenesis Bisikan Rimba and Transgenik Sifar
. Religion has a strong influence on the worldview of the Malays therefore some concerns such as playing God are obviously religious. Association of the negative image of scientists as well as the private research companies with the research on human genetic enhancement reflects the authors’ concerns about the main motivations for conducting such research and the extent to which such research will benefit society.
Stem cell and cloning studies bear promising potential in the field of regenerative medicine with their exciting and innovative features. The wide range of applications of these cellular treatments ...and their permanent repairing qualities foretell that a completely different scientific paradigm is emerging for the future. However, satisfactory insight has not yet been developed with respect to the moral status and legal aspects of these studies. Furthermore, their potentially untoward side effects are not understood well enough to compare with the benefits they provide for human life. In general, attempts are made to place the subject in a pattern composed of the sanctity of life, the unique characteristics of being an individual, the boundaries drawn by beliefs, and the basic principles of law. This article will discuss the benefits of stem cell and cloning studies as well as their undeveloped medical, ethical, religious, and legal aspects.
Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go is a novel that depicts a typical biodystopia. By recollecting the clones’ tragic experience of organ donation for the benefit of humankind, it discusses the bleak ...posthuman prospects of science, the double manipulation of life by power, and the metaphorical dimension of posthuman lifewriting. Ishiguro approaches the theme from the clones’ perspective, taking the clones as a metaphor to demonstrate the actual circumstances of human life, therefore the novel could be seen as a parable about human nature. This paper proposes to analyze, from the aspects of science, power and metaphorical lifewriting, Ishiguro’s unique art in creating a biodystopian narrative that reflects universal human conditions and reveals the posthuman biopredicament.
This article reports and analyses the method and findings from a 3-year interdisciplinary project investigating how the medium of law can support understanding of socio-scientific issues. Law ...represents one of the most important means by which society decides and communicates its values. Activities mirroring legal processes therefore have significant potential to inform, inspire and involve school students in exploring the conceptual, social and ethical issues relating to developments in biomedical science. This article focusses on an intervention-style study in which UK-based 16- to 17-year-old students role played a Supreme Court moot, developed by modifying a domestic appeal case concerned with whether the contemporary legislation covered the creation of cloned human embryos. We draw attention to how the science of cloning has been slightly misunderstood by the courts and in science materials provided to UK school students. We argue that moot-centred engagement activities offer great potential for science communication among post-16 students and, despite the limitations of the judicial process for addressing complex socio-scientific issues, such role plays aid development of scientific and sociolegal understanding, as well as enhancing students’ self-confidence and argumentation skills.
This accessible and challenging book looks beyond the immediate question of cloning to the broader questions of using genetic engineering to alter the evolution of the human species. The book covers ...both the hands-on scientific details and the many ethical and social concerns. It includes a discussion of recent successes in cloning large animals and examines the implications for medicine and for our future. Contributors include many of the world leaders in the field: Lee Hood, French Anderson, Mario Capecchi, Dan Koshland, Michael Rose, Lee Silver, and James Watson.
BackgroundExtant surveys of people's attitudes towards human reproductive cloning focus on moral judgements alone, not emotional reactions or sentiments. This is especially important given that some ...(especially Leon Kass) have argued against such cloning on the ground that it engenders widespread negative emotions, like disgust, that provide a moral guide.ObjectiveTo provide some data on emotional reactions to human cloning, with a focus on repugnance, given its prominence in the literature.MethodsThis brief mixed-method study measures the self-reported attitudes and emotions (positive or negative) towards cloning from a sample of participants in the USA.ResultsMost participants condemned cloning as immoral and said it should be illegal. The most commonly reported positive sentiment was by far interest/curiosity. Negative emotions were much more varied, but anxiety was the most common. Only about a third of participants selected disgust or repugnance as something they felt, and an even smaller portion had this emotion come to mind prior to seeing a list of options.ConclusionsParticipants felt primarily interested and anxious about human reproductive cloning. They did not primarily feel disgust or repugnance. This provides initial empirical evidence that such a reaction is not appropriately widespread.
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