In article <v02110102ad1238a7fcc6@[128.151.220.63]>,
ds005c at UHURA.CC.ROCHESTER.EDU says...
>>Keep in mind that genes are not simply blueprints that are laid out nicely
>at the start of your life, and then discarded once used.
>In fact, many advances in the treatment of
>diseases has been helped along by genetics, cancer included.
>
>>Yes, I think that genetic research can lead to potenial breakthroughs in
many areas - one of the most important areas - it seems to me - would be in
the identification of individuals who are at risk for certain diseases -
these individuals could then take drastic measures to help to ward off their
genetically increased risk of disease such as a very low fat diet, etc.
The problem I have with genetic research is that it seems to get the most
press - and the headlines imply that genetic research will lead to cures for
all our problems. I think that this is very misleading to the public.
I stand by my original statement - I don't see the great results of genetic
research - not yet, anyway. Maybe gene-splicing technology will be the
answer... Maybe we will be able to repair bad genes in vivo... We need to
look for the answer - I just don't think we are going to find it.
And this emphasis on genetic research takes away from other types of
research. I think that genetic engineering is the driving force since it
has the potential for profit making. Nothing against profit - but let's not
get enamored with genetic technology.
Stevejoe
