GENOVATIONS
VS.
HUMAN GENOME PROJECT
My project very well could have been grouped with the members of the Human Genome project because the two go hand in hand. Without the development of the human genome project, none of the current advances being made in the field of genovations would have been made. I noticed that on Matt Shoemaker's site, under ethics, he wrote "who should have access to personal genetic information, and how will it be used." (Matt Shoemaker) If you review my ethics page, much of the debate over genovations is just that. The two issues are so intertwined that the one (genovations) would not exist without the other. In an attempt to learn more about "what makes us tick" the government began the Human Genome Project and made huge discoveries in genetic mapping. This genetic mapping allowed us to see if individuals were prone to certain diseases, had deficiencies or proficiencies in certain areas, or what trait an individual actually had. This led into the concept of genovations because it is proposed that we can take this information and treat such imperfection before they have an impact on us or our condition. Foods and supplements can be designed to substitute for deficiencies allowing the individual to lead a healthier life. Individuals with proficiencies can watch their intake of such compounds and balance themselves out through diet. Finally, traits can be distinguished which can allow us to alter traits. A debate ensued as to weather or not we should be able to alter our physical traits, and Matt Shoemaker went more in depth about it and can be viewed by clicking on the above link, but this can also be used to determine and possibly alter birth defects before a child is born, or preventing the onset of life threatening illnesses. The improvements upon the human condition that such research offers is endless and it was all made possible by the human genome project.
This site was created for Biotechnology ISSI470 @ Monmouth College