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Are There Justifiable Limits to Genetic Research?

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Are There Justifiable Limits to Genetic Research?
Are There Justifiable Limits to Genetic Research? The Human Genome Project is often referred to as one of the most exciting and revolutionary developments in modern medicine, with the potential to unveil the mysteries of disease and lead to the prevention of hereditary disease and disability (Miller 152). The original determining of the primary structure of the human genome was completed in 2003, on the other hand scientists are still attempting to understand what is described as ‘a vast resource of raw information.’ As soon as the human genome sequence was proclaimed, it was seen as one of the greatest scientific achievements in modern history; with good reason, the assumption prevailed. Determining the structure and nature of the genetic code promises to provide valuable insight into human evolution and the molecular basis of disease, although sequencing the genome is just the first step towards the goal of determining the meaning or function to every sequence. In doing this, the range of genetic research and testing spreads into many different areas of study that produce ethical issues in the types of research that are performed (Cullen 279). Currently, a number of ethical as well as legal issues are at hand that have to be considered before scientists can confidently use this information to maximize health benefits. As science progresses over time, the issues of genetic research will raise substantial concerns for a number of people, and it will continue to rise. Therefore, limits need to be set on certain areas of genetic research to allow a better governing of this research in order to prevent unethical events that could possibly lead to the annihilation of genetic study as a whole.
The swift development of genetic research raises the sort of questions that scientific or government based institutions should address. Some genetic research could help cure and prevent diseases that have tormented humanity for thousands of years if established wisely; if



Cited: Cullen, R., & Marshall, S. (2006). Genetic research and genetic information: a health information professional 's perspective on the benefits and risks. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 23(4), 275-282. Gockel, H., Schumacher, J., Gockel, I., Lang, H., Haaf, T., & Nöthen, M. (2010). Achalasia: will genetic studies provide insights?. Human Genetics, 128(4), 353-364. Hallowell, N., Cooke, S., & Crawford, G. (2010). An Investigation of Patients ' Motivations for Their Participation in Genetics-Related Research Hayes, Richard. Genetic Engineering Limits – A Planet Responds. NetLibrary. Thurs. 26 Nov. 2010. Miller, F., Giacomini, M., & Ahern, C. (2008). Contending visions in the evolution of genetic medicine: The case of cancer genetic services in Ontario, Canada. Social Science & Medicine, 67(1), 152-160. Robinson, T., & Goodson, P. (2010). Religious and Genomics/Genetics Beliefs: An Exploratory Study Schermer, M. (2008). Genomics, obesity and enhancement: moral issues regarding aesthetics and health Wolf, L., Bouley, T., & McCulloch, C. (2010). Genetic Research with Stored Biological Materials: Ethics and Practice. IRB: Ethics and Human Research (The Hasting Center), 32(2), 7-18. Retrieved from Philosopher 's Index database.

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