Abstract This paper discusses the basic science that underlies geneticscreening, describes the different applications of geneticscreening, and investigates some of the common misconceptions and ethical questions about its use.
Outline
Scientific Basis of GeneticScreening Application of Genetic Testing
Common Misconceptions
Social and Ethical Issues
From the Paper "Genetic screening itself is simply "the systematic search within a population for persons possessing particular genotypes, which are either associated with disease, predisposing to disease, or leading to disease in descendants" (Miller). In simpler terms, genetic screening involves testing and determining whether "an individual's genetic material to predict present or future disability or disease either for oneself or one's offspring" (McCarrick). Essentially, genetic screening is conducted for several basic reasons, including the care of the ill and the prevention of disease, providing reproductive information, determining the incidence of disorders in the general population, and research (Miller)."
Abstract This six-page undergraduate research paper examines and analyzes the issues concerning the legal, social and ethical implications and ramifications of the controversial technology of geneticscreening.
A discussion on genetic counseling with an emphasis on grief and bereavement counseling in relation to interpreting and making decisions about a geneticscreening.
Abstract This paper relates that as geneticscreening becomes more common so will the need to deal with persons who are displeased with its results and revelations. The paper then discusses how clinicians must acquire grief and bereavement counseling skills if they are to provide advice and information about interpreting and making decisions about a geneticscreening. The paper emphasizes the importance of having such skills and presents examples of situations that illustrate why grief and bereavement counseling skills are so important in geneticscreening. The paper concludes that, if the counseling experience is to be satisfactory, the counselor must help parents meet the immediate and long-term social needs of affected individuals in addition to their medical needs.
From the Paper "However imperfectly it is disseminated, via phone, or arranging for another appointment at a later date, follow-up counseling is just as essential as follow-up physical care. Many counselors believe "the couple should be advised not to have another child until the grieving process has been completed. Counseling should be directed at helping the couple overcome feelings of guilt, feelings of decreased self-worth and feelings of defectiveness. Referral to support groups may be helpful or the use of non-judgmental counseling and support structures that are accessible within the couple's own community (Rosenfeld 1992:1). Providing advice about creating such groups within communities without access to the more extensive array of options in urban locations should be a long-term goal pursued by the health care community."
Abstract This work seeks to examine genetic testing in the light of the potential contribution of genetic testing specifically in the area of forensic testing, predictive testing and carrier testing. The paper first defines genetic testing and then discusses its goals. The paper then looks at the potential benefits that can be gained from using genetic testing.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Genetic Testing Defined
Use Of GeneticScreening Guidelines For Genetic Testing
Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing
Forensics Genetic Testing
Summary And Conclusion
From the Paper "Genetic testing applications offer great potential in today's society from early detection of disease, to exonerating the wrongfully accused, to identifying criminals that otherwise would have gone on to other commission of crimes, to paternity testing and the new possibility of correction of genetic abnormalities and this is only to list a few. Genetic testing has opened doors for scientific, medical health and prevention, and social advances in quality of life as well as water and food quality measures. Genetic testing is greatly beneficial in today's society."
Abstract This paper deals with the concept of genetics as it applies to Darwin's natural selection within pigeon varieties. The paper presents, for a basic understanding, the concept of genetics, chromosomes and traits. The topic then shifts to genetic testing in early screening for newborns, why it's important and what can be done if the child tests positive, such as genetic counseling for all family members.
From the Paper "In order to understand how the multitude of pigeon varieties came to exist, a basic understanding of genetics is required. The University of Utah's basic genetic lessons tell us that within each cell, chromosomes carry the genetic material from their parental DNA. Each pigeon parent contributes one complete set of its DNA to the offspring. According to the University of Utah, within the double helix DNA strand, genes are encoded which tell each cell what to do and allow for individuation and cell specialization. The combination of chromosomal matching from a pigeon's parents and the resulting genes that carries the basic encoding for pigment building proteins account for the majority of pigeon varieties."
Abstract The paper defines genetic testing, looks at the screening and testing techniques and examines guidelines for genetic testing. The paper discusses mitochondrial DNA sequencing and describes what is involved in forensic identification via genetic testing.
Outline:
Introduction
Genetic Testing Defined
Use of GeneticScreening Guidelines for Genetic Testing
Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing
Forensics Genetic testing
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Genetic testing is also referred to as 'gene testing' and 'DNA tests' and is a process by which the individual's DNA is examined. DNA is the material which genes are composed of which serve to determine the specific characteristics of living things. DNA determines the individual's features and as well, genetic testing has the capacity to detect particular genes in terms of whether they are present, absent, or altered and specifically in detection of chromosome abnormalities through laboratory testing."
Abstract Recently human genetic material has been fused with animal cells and cloned. This opens up the possibility of developing organ banks for spare parts and then ultimately genetically modified humans. This paper discusses the social and ethical implications of this technology covering areas such as gene therapy, cloning, mutations and organ banks.
From the Paper "At our present level of technology a more simple method of preventing genetic diseases or defects being perpetuated would be a "preventative therapy" of pre-implantation diagnosis, giving a couple the opportunity to a discard an embryo with defective genes. This track would not however benefit a couple that both have recessive genes for an illness such as cystic fibrosis. A couple such as this where all embryos would be genetically defective, would be better off using donor sperm or ova backed up by supportive counselling instead of using gene therapy with all its risks. Because such a small minority of couples are in such a position, the medical and scientific community is very hesitant to apply gene therapy at the present time in such situations. (British Medical Association, 1992)."
Abstract The paper describes the case involving geneticscreening of employees by Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and attempts to determine the fairness of the settlement reached by reviewing the literature from both a utilitarian and deontological perspective. The paper explains the utilitarian viewpoint that shows how the BNSF case was not fair to the employer while the deontological viewpoint maintains that the company acted wrongly and deserved the settlement.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the Age of Information, an increasing number of people appear to recognize that their traditional and legal rights to privacy are being eroded on a daily basis in a variety of ways. Indeed, video surveillance cameras abound in public places, and it is rare when an individual's actions go unrecorded by someone, somewhere. In this environment, it is reasonable to suggest that more and more American citizens would seek to prevent further intrusions into their private lives by their employers, but the fact of the matter is that many states continue to permit the use of genetic testing by employers in ways that citizens are either unaware of, or are unable to stop. The facts that emerged from a precedent-setting case involving genetic screening by Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) a few years ago serves to illustrate how the Age of Information is being transformed into a Brave New World in some frightening ways in states where genetic testing by employers is still allowed."
Abstract This paper researches the processes of colorectal cancer screening in African-American women and discusses serious issue of the the lack of utilization among African-American women aged 50 and older of colorectal screening implements.
Articles:
Colon Cancer Screening in African American Women
Elderly African American Women's Knowledge and Belief About Colorectal Cancer
Colon Cancer Screening Among Older Caregivers
From the Paper "The sample size selected represents the sample most relevant in this case, as comprehensive information was gathered from previous studies directing the researcher to the correct sample size and population demographics for this particular study. The researchers make logical conclusions and the study presents multiple implications for future research in the health care arena. The research conclusions may apply to multiple patients facing educational barriers to healthcare screening and treatment. This research suggests that nursing practice would benefit by understanding the needs of divergent populations and accommodating their educational and informational needs accordingly. Knowledge about a particularly groups beliefs and concerns that may prevent adequate treatment can help guide nursing protocols and patient delivery in the future. "
Abstract This paper describes the various tests that are carried out on newborns around the world for early detection of abnormalities, and includes a long list of conditions that can be found. While the author does include evidence of some controversy regarding various screening tests, the overall indication is that such testing can only be beneficial.
From the Paper "In the United States, newborns have been routinely screened for abnormalities and conditions affecting the infant's overall health, with routine tests such as biotinidase deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hearing loss, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease, MCAD deficiency, PKU, Sickle cell disease, and tyroseinemia. China has taken neonatal screening seriously in recent years, and with assistance from the United States, a "provincial laboratory quality control program has been established and provides oversight for a newborn screening system from blood collection through treatment of patients" (Chen, He, Shen, Wang, Zang, & Zhang 37). Israel has also determined how valuable nationwide neonatal screening is to societal health and in 2006 selected PerkinElmer, Inc., "a global technology leader in Health Sciences and Photonics...to create a comprehensive newborn screening program intended to cover every child born in Israel" (PerkinElmer). This is a definite step in the right direction, as more and more countries follow the lead the United States has had in the realm of neonatal screening."
Abstract This paper discusses the newly discovered phenomenon of genetically engineered and genetically modified foods that are being produced, sold and consumed in the United States of America. First, the paper describes and explains this phenomenon by using media sources. Then, it discusses various media sources and the concerns and questions they have regarding genetically engineered or modified foods. Finally, the paper notes concerns that neighboring countries, in this case Mexico, have for their own people and environments.
From the Paper "Throughout the history of the United States, science has played a large part in the foods and products that the nation's citizens consume. From new foods that are imported and incorporated into the national crop and diet, to older, standby foods that are improved or used in new or different ways, American eating and consumption has long been shaped by technology and scientific advancement. And, as such shifts and innovations have made their way into the country's fields and barns and supermarkets and onto its dinner tables, the American media has also had much to say, for good or for bad, about how science is helping or hurting the consumers that depend on and utilize such developments."
Abstract The following paper discusses the issue of genetic cloning by looking at its origins and scientific advances.The paper examines the research on genetic engineering and cloning that was used to clone plants, unicellular organisms, amphibians and simple mammals. It looks at significant advances in agriculture, industry and medicine. Although there are many potential benefits to this technology, the prospect of cloning humans has raised many practical, ethical and religious dilemmas that are discussed in this paper.
From the Paper "Genetic engineering is the changing of an organism's DNA, genetic material to eliminate unwanted traits or to produce desirable traits. The earliest form of genetic engineering dates back to the scientist Gregor Mendel who did experiments with peas. He bred only the peas with the most desirable traits in order to achieve a healthier and stronger pea (McCuen 8). This method, called selective breeding, is still used today with plants and animals in order to increase food production. Corn plants are selectively bred in order to produce a larger tastier kernel. Another type of genetic engineering called hybridization or crossbreeding involves breeding animals of different species in order to obtain the most desirable traits of both. Male donkeys are crossbred with female horses to produce mules, which are good work animals (Levine 1). Genes are made of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid. The discovery of DNA in 1953 by Drs. Watson and Crick led to a much better understanding of the structure and function of genes. Since that scientific discovery many scientists have developed techniques to manipulate the DNA in genes in order to control different genetic processes. In the 1970s, scientists discovered restriction enzymes, which are enzymes that are able to cut and splice DNA. This led to the scientific technique known as recombinant DNA, which has paved the way for more sophisticated types of genetic engineering (McCuen 8)."
Abstract The paper begins with a discussion of severe arable land degradation and how genetic modification works. Various methods of genetic modification methods are provided, with references from scientific sources. The essay moves on to discuss impact of genetic engineering on maize gene pool and possible scenarios. Also mentioned is the down side of engineering plants to produce pesticides. Various fears of unknown effects from GMO are stated with case studies. Lastly, the essay addresses ethical and political reasons for and against GMO.
From the Paper "Food is a crucial factor in supporting life on earth, but with the extremely fast rates of population growth, many wonder how long will it be before human consumption exceeds food production. Already, erosion and nutrient depletion has taken its toil on food production, with nearly 40 percent of the world's arable land seriously degraded (Robbins, 2001). In the early 1990s, a new science called Genetic Engineering came up with a possible solution."
Abstract This paper argues that technologies for producing genetically modified food (GMF) should be applied cautiously since such food may be dangerous to human health, the environment, and the economy.
From the Paper "The progression of science holds out the promise of new technologies that can solve urgent human problems. Among these problems are the international challenges of human hunger, malnutrition, over-nutrition and disease. Much funding and energy to solve these problems is currently being directed towards developing technologies to genetically modify foods. These technologies can and already have yielded tremendous benefits in addressing human crises. One example is the recent introduction of golden rice, normal rice that has been..."
Abstract The paper explores the dangers of genetically engineered food products in the marketplace. It traces activities of anti-genetic engineering groups and their relationship with biotech corporations. Legal and political implications of the industry are also studied.
From the Paper "The new biotechnology of genetic engineering initiates thoughts of a glow in the dark bunny, plants that eat poison, plants that contain pesticides and some medicines. New cures for diseases or solutions to problems that plague the world, such as starvation, are the promises made by the many supporters of this technology. However, many people are skeptical, because they know little of the potential side effects it may have on the people who eat or use the genetically modified products. An article printed in the Christian Science Monitor entitled "Europe Invites Biotech Debate" by Peter Ford on September 11, 2001, explains the position of the public and the European Commission concerning genetically modified products while keeping his view of the issue from influencing the way that he writes. Karen Charman, on the other hand, lets her views of government control give her a clear agenda as to how she states the United States? position in this debate in her article, ?Spinning Science into Gold.? Comparing the biotech issues between ?Spinning Science into Gold,? and ?Europe Invites Biotech Debate,? one sees that, unlike European nations, corporations in the United States maintain exclusive control over genetically engineered products. Clearly there is a need for government intervention to regulate corporations."
