Genetic Engineering and Its Unpredictable Impact to Humanity

Genetic engineers see the potential of the industry towards being able to change the DNA. DNA recombinant technology has the potential to offer positive impacts to humanity but this goal is seemed to be opposed by several ethical groups due to various reasons. This article will investigate more on these issues over the unpredictable impact of genetic engineering.

The ability to accurately manipulate the human DNA is an opportunity to develop treatments for diseases that are impossible to cure as of the present. This can completely eliminate the possibility of having birth defects among babies. The technology can also be employed to prevent hereditary diseases and stop the transfer of these maladies from one generation to another.

Another possible benefit that this opportunity can offer is the application to agriculture by development of genetically modified plants and animals. Because of the growing population, farmers can produce more varieties of plants and animals that have more meat and fruits for food. This will allow more plentiful harvests and more access to food, which is very important especially in developing countries with larger number of mouths to feed. This will also be a prospect to develop more nutritious foods and even better tasting ones.

This intervention of men, however, can possibly have negative effects too. There are possibilities, due to the creation of these new organisms, that genetic engineering can cause havoc to our ecological balance. This is because the impact of these genetically engineered species to the environment can be unpredictable especially with our very little knowledge of the true nature of the DNA. Thus, there is the possibility of causing an imbalance in the ecosystem with the creation of these new types of organisms.

As an example of a possible scenario, genetically enhanced bacterial strains can be accidentally released to the environment to cause a serious epidemic just like the SARS epidemic. Another concern would be the possibility that genetically modified plants and animals can produce side effects such as allergies when consumed as food.

Genetic engineering can also fall to the wrong hands and be used as weapons for warfare. When this technology is used for destructive purposes, the effects can really be alarming. Genetically modified organisms can be used as biological weapons of mass destruction. Because these organisms will likely spread faster and be resistant to existing medicines, it can potentially be devastating to the society.

Genetic engineering is like a double-edged sword. It should be used with responsibility as it can produce either positive or negative effects to mankind. Yes, we may be ready to use this technology but the scientific community agrees with the fact that we are blind on all its possible consequences.

In ending, there are concerns with the little knowledge of the role of DNA among living things as of the present. But even with such lack of understanding, our genetic engineers are convinced that the potential of this newfound technology can dramatically affect humankind, either helping it or destroying it altogether. Without a doubt, there is a need to regulate this technology by different governments all over the world for it to be controlled and put to good use.

Robert Ian Maranon is a licensed chemist, environmentalist, writer, and blogger. He is also reviewing various home products in the internet.

Check out his new website on the review of Electric Clothes Airer. His site also features an eco friendly take on using these products like the use of Indoor Airer without energy costs.

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