Honors Program Theses

Award/Availability

Open Access Honors Program Thesis

First Advisor

Marek K. Sliwinski

Abstract

Two decades ago, the completion of the Human Genome Project marked a pivotal milestone in scientific history, unraveling the blueprint of human DNA and laying the foundation for the Genetic Revolution. This monumental achievement allows researchers to uncover the correlations between DNA sequences and biological functions. Today, this movement has propelled modern geneticists toward the peak of human health sciences: the ability to manipulate the very essence of our being. With the aid of Genetic Engineering, scientists now possess the capability to alter the fundamental framework of our genetic code, offering the potential to cure fatal genetic disorders alongside other new therapeutic applications. With this powerful application geneticists have hit a break: determining the ethical boundaries that govern the utilization of this powerful technology. The line between therapeutic interventions and ethically uncertain practices, such as human enhancement or reckless experimentation, grows increasingly tenuous. Despite the remarkable promise of gene editing, it is necessary to navigate this ethical predicament cautiously. Gene editing holds immense promise as a therapeutic tool, continually making groundbreaking discoveries. However, this progress is accompanied by ethical and technological problems that require consideration. To present the current landscape of gene editing, this literature review focuses on the latest advancements in genetic engineering, examining its applications, ethical dilemmas, and the regulatory debate in the United States. This review aims to provide insights into the rapidly changing dimension of gene editing, understanding its potential, challenges, and governance in biomedical research.

Year of Submission

2024

Department

Department of Biology

University Honors Designation

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation University Honors

Date Original

5-2024

Object Description

1 PDF (27 pages)

Language

en

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