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Compare and Contrast: Forensics and the Medical World |
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Compare and Contrast: Forensics and the Medical World |
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Similarities:
Some of the other topics covered in our class, Biotechnology and Human Values, included medical applications, athletic enhancement, and the human genome project. I find the most similarities between forensics and the medical world.
Medical advancements are one of the top priorities in the sciences today. We are always looking for cures to diseases, and ways to prepare for the onset of sickness. This can be done through the use of forensic technology. One disease that was discussed in class was Huntington's Disease. This tends to show up in people around the age of 40, and causes loss of control in the muscles. DNA fingerprinting is actually being used to diagnose this inherited disorder in both prenatal and newborn babies. Early detection of the disorder enables the parents to prepare themselves for proper treatment of the child. Genetic counselors also use DNA fingerprint information to help prospective parents understand the risk of having an affected child.
Research programs depend on the information contained in DNA fingerprints to locate inherited disorders, like Huntington's, on specific chromosomes. By studying the DNA fingerprints of relatives who have a history of a particular disorder, or by comparing large groups of people with and without the disorder, it's possible to identify DNA patterns associated with the disease. This is the first step in designing an eventual genetic cure for these disorders.
Some other examples of disorders that may be cured are cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Alzheimer's, and sickle cell anemia. Diabetes and abnormal psychology disorders (also discussed in class) may also potentially be cured using DNA fingerprinting and genetic analysis.
Differences:
The major difference between the use of forensics in biotechnology and the use of medical applications in biotechnology, is how it affects the people. The medical advancements being made are for improving the quality of life, and for saving lives. Their main goal is to treat and find cures for diseases. This is much different from the goals used by forensic scientists. Sure, forensic scientists are all about saving lives and making the quality of life better, but their main goal is to crack down on criminals and solve crimes. Forensics is most often used in the court room. The technology that is used by forensic scientists is for determining what happened at a crime scene. DNA fingerprinting is mainly used to compare a crime scene sample to a suspect's sample. Trace evidence analysis is used to investigate arson, or shoeprints left on the ground. The medical field does not deal with this type of work. So while there are similarities between forensics and medical applications, there are major differences when it comes to the way they apply the biotechnology.
This is a site created for ISSI470, an academic course at Monmouth College.
