Star Split, by Kathryn Lasky, is the story of thirteen-year-old Darci. She lives in a world powered by genetic engineering and the Bio Union. Darci happens to love rock climbing, but it will be this very thing that will change her life for the better or the worse. As Darci is relaxing on a rock face, she suddenly comes face-to-face with an umbula (clone) of herself! The umbula's name is Vivian, and they both soon realize that they can never, ever be seen together. However, soon both Darci's and Vivian's worlds are turned upside down, and each hour brings them closer to death.
I loved this book! It was a suspenseful thriller packed with science, and it made me want to find out more about the subject.
Showing posts with label genetic engineering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label genetic engineering. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
My two cents (genetic engineering)
I've decided to have a new feature on my blog. It's called "my two cents" and will feature essays about a variety of issues.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is the process of moving genes from one organism to another. One example of genetic engineering is genetically modified food, which is made when the genes of one organism are moved to a plant species. This could be done to make crops more insect-resistant. Other examples include cloning, which is the process of creating a genetically identical organism, and gene therapy. Gene therapy involves implanting a desired gene in a virus. This virus is then injected into a sick individual in hopes that this gene will help them.
Genetic engineering is not in itself a good or a bad thing, as there are both positive and negative uses for this knowledge. For example, gene therapy is a positive use of genetic engineering. Genetically modifying food is another positive example. However, even this can have problems. For example, problems could arise when genetically modified crops manage to breed with wild species of plants.
The case of cloning is similar to that of genetically modified food. It can be good or bad. Stem cell research, a type of cloning, can be very helpful with research into cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. Cloning whole organisms, on the other hand, upsets genetic diversity.
As is shown here, genetic engineering, like many other forms of new technology, can potentially be either helpful or harmful, depending on how it is used.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is the process of moving genes from one organism to another. One example of genetic engineering is genetically modified food, which is made when the genes of one organism are moved to a plant species. This could be done to make crops more insect-resistant. Other examples include cloning, which is the process of creating a genetically identical organism, and gene therapy. Gene therapy involves implanting a desired gene in a virus. This virus is then injected into a sick individual in hopes that this gene will help them.
Genetic engineering is not in itself a good or a bad thing, as there are both positive and negative uses for this knowledge. For example, gene therapy is a positive use of genetic engineering. Genetically modifying food is another positive example. However, even this can have problems. For example, problems could arise when genetically modified crops manage to breed with wild species of plants.
The case of cloning is similar to that of genetically modified food. It can be good or bad. Stem cell research, a type of cloning, can be very helpful with research into cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. Cloning whole organisms, on the other hand, upsets genetic diversity.
As is shown here, genetic engineering, like many other forms of new technology, can potentially be either helpful or harmful, depending on how it is used.
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