Carefully managing the genetic revolution.

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Editorial Observer / Lubko Berezowsky '09

Carefully managing the genetic revolutionhttp://media.www.thestentor.com/media/storage/paper850/news/2008/10/30/Opinion/Editorial.Observer..Lubko.Berezowsky.09-3514451.shtml

By: Lubko Berezowsky

Posted: 10/30/08

Modern science is at a critical juncture when it comes to genetics. The

relatively new study holds the promise of defeating disease and

improving understanding of biological function.

 

But we must proceed carefully with the study of genetics because it is

such a fundamental area of research with far-reaching and poorly

understood consequences.

 

For example, much of the processed food that we eat in the United

States contains some form of genetically modified grain. High fructose

corn syrup, derived from GM corn, is so ubiquitous as to no longer

raise anyone's concern. Yet the effects of long-term consumption of

corn syrup have not been adequately researched. Perhaps this helps to

explain the explosion of obesity among Americans since corn syrup has

been introduced.

 

(A view not supported by the Corn Refiners Association, which claims

that corn syrup is just as harmless in moderation as sugar).

 

While GM grain and foodstuffs are widely grown in the United States,

Europe and much of the rest of the world do not allow the import or

cultivation of GM crops. They claim that there is too little data to

establish the safety of such crops, and they rely on traditional farm

mechanization to raise yields and productivity.

 

On the other hand, the Federal Food and Drug Administration has given

the green light to GM products entering the food chain which results in

new genetic variations of meats, grains and fruits being commercialized

everyday.

 

Researchers claim that they can improve the taste, color, of foodstuffs

through genetic modification, but this manipulation may also result in

decreased nutritional value. Random mutations also add a level of

uncertainty to the consumption of GM foods, especially in the

long-term. It makes sense to put in place regulatory safeguards prevent

a rush to commercialize such unproven technologies.

 

Another consequence of genetic research may be the discrimination and

marginalization of "inferior" stock groups. If genes associated with

heart disease or breast cancer are isolated, it will be possible to

test individuals to see if they have the proclivity for these diseases.

They could be denied medical insurance based on this information and

experience a decreased level of care.

 

Current laws do not protect against workplace discrimination based on

genetic makeup, and it is not beyond reason to see a future world in

the mold of GATTACA, the movie in which everyone's role in life is

predetermined at birth based on genetic makeup.

 

At the same time, isolating such genes may be very profitable for

research companies by offering cosmetic services to the wealthy.

"Designer babies" are one example of how gene therapy can be used to

cater to non-essential tastes, like picking hair color or specifying

height and body type, or perhaps a genetic variant marketed as a

replacement for Botox for thousands of dollars a dose.

 

Of course, the scientific research of genes and commercialization of

the results are two separate questions to address. Research into

genetics is the next frontier of science and will inevitably advance,

likely producing medical and biological breakthroughs.

 

However, we must be cautious when seeking the benefits of genetic

modification. We must be especially cautious about commercializing this

research and understanding its enormous implications.

© Copyright 2008 The Stentor

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