The controversy (pros/cons)

The controversy: With recombinant DNA, scientists had the means to manipulate living things. But could there be a danger in "playing God?" While some were thrilled by the potential of these new techniques to combat genetic diseases such as cancer, others saw cause for alarm over the possibility of unleashing bacterial monsters.

recombinant dna,genetic diseases,playing god,pros cons,controversy,monsters,scientists,cancer

  • ID: 15649
  • Source: DNALC.DNAi

Related Content

15203. Public concern over genetic manipulation, Alexander Capron

Alexander Capron, a lawyer and specialist in bioethics, talks about how fear of Frankenstein captured the public fancy.

  • ID: 15203
  • Source: DNAi

15425. First reactions to the Human Genome Project, James Watson

Nobel Laureate James Watson, the first director of the Human Genome Project, talks about his first reaction to the idea.

  • ID: 15425
  • Source: DNAi

1713. Dog (Canis lupus)

Man’s best friend is a valuable model organism for studying the genetics of complex traits. It is also an excellent model for researching numerous diseases requiring subtle phenotyping.

  • ID: 1713
  • Source: G2C

15021. The moratorium letter regarding risky experiments, Paul Berg

In 1974, scientists in the field of recombinant DNA drafted a letter calling upon "scientists throughout the world" to suspend certain types of studies until hazards could be assessed. Paul Berg talks about the "Moratorium Letter."

  • ID: 15021
  • Source: DNAi

16995. New York Stories: Restriction Enzyme Analysis

New York high school students interview Dr. Scott Lowe of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center about using restriction enzyme analysis in cancer research, then perform the experiment.

  • ID: 16995
  • Source: DNALC

16851. Biography 40: Michael Wigler (1947 - )

Mike Wigler and his group were among the first to clone and characterize human oncogenes.

  • ID: 16851
  • Source: DNAFTB

15422. The need for cutting DNA at specific points, James Watson

James Watson talks about what was needed to read the genetic message.

  • ID: 15422
  • Source: DNAi

15334. A database of genomes, Robert Sinsheimer

Robert Sinsheimer, then chancellor of the University of California, Santa Cruz, brought experts together in 1985 to discuss the possibility of a Human Genome Project. He talks about his idea.

  • ID: 15334
  • Source: DNAi

1712. Mouse (Mus musculus)

Mice are small, easy to keep, and complete a generation in only ten weeks. They are also rather closely related to human beings.

  • ID: 1712
  • Source: G2C

16461. Video 20: Matthew Meselson, clip 2

The three models of DNA replication - semi-conservative, conservative, and dispersive - and whether bias played a role in designing/interpreting the experiment.

  • ID: 16461
  • Source: DNAFTB