REPRODUCTION & GENETIC ENGINEERING
Please watch the full-length science fiction film, Gattaca. It is available on Netflix, and it is on reserve at Lilly Library.
Also important as preparation for class is the Primer on Epigenetics. Dr. Randy Jirtle, recently retired from Duke University Medical Center, has been internationally recognized for his foundational work in the new field of Epigenetics.
In addition, please take a look at these articles:
As background on the ethical issues that are raised in pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and human germ cell engineering, please peruse this article by Ian Hunt. "Designer Babies," Professional Ethics, Vol 7, Nos. 3 & 4, 1999, p. 67-83.
Also important as preparation for class is the Primer on Epigenetics. Dr. Randy Jirtle, recently retired from Duke University Medical Center, has been internationally recognized for his foundational work in the new field of Epigenetics.
In addition, please take a look at these articles:
- "The Science of Success," by David Dobbs, (The Atlantic, Dec 2009) is an article that tells the story of a new hypothesis, sometimes known as the Orchid Hypothesis. Is it possible that the very genes that are associated with troublesome and disruptive behavior are also the genes that, under different environmental conditions, catapult individuals to extraordinary contributions? David Dobbs uses his personal story to give context to the experiments and research going on around the question of the relationship of genes to life experience, and vice versa. Though it is a long article, I recommend you at least skim through all the way to the end.
- "'Designer Babies': Patented Process Could Lead to Selection of Genes for Specific Traits," by Gautam Naik, Wall Street Journal, Oct 3, 2013.
As background on the ethical issues that are raised in pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and human germ cell engineering, please peruse this article by Ian Hunt. "Designer Babies," Professional Ethics, Vol 7, Nos. 3 & 4, 1999, p. 67-83.