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The enculturated gene
In the 1980s, a research team led by Parisian scientists identified several unique DNA sequences, or haplotypes, linked to sickle cell anemia in African populations. After casual observations of how patients managed this painful blood disorder, the researchers in question postulated that the Senegalese type was less severe. The Enculturated Gene traces how this genetic discourse has blotted from view the roles that Senegalese patients and doctors have played in making sickle cell \"mild\" in a social setting where public health priorities and economic austerity programs have forced people to improvise informal strategies of care.
eBook
Agro-technology : a philosophical introduction
\"Humans have been modifying plants and animals for millennia. The dawn of molecular genetics, however, has kindled intense public scrutiny and controversy. Crops, and the food products which include them, have dominated molecular modification in agriculture. Organisations have made unsubstantiated claims and scare mongering is common. In this textbook Paul Thompson presents a clear account of the significant issues--identifying harms and benefits, analysing and managing risk--which lie beneath the cacophony of public controversy. His comprehensive analysis looks especially at genetically modified organisms, and includes an explanation of the scientific background, an analysis of ideological objections, a discussion of legal and ethical concerns, a suggested alternative--organic agriculture--and an examination of the controversy's impact on sub-Saharan African countries. His book will be of interest to students and other readers in philosophy, biology, biotechnology, and public policy\"-- Provided by publisher.
Book
Enhancing Evolution
InEnhancing Evolution, leading bioethicist John Harris dismantles objections to genetic engineering, stem-cell research, designer babies, and cloning and makes an ethical case for biotechnology that is both forthright and rigorous. Human enhancement, Harris argues, is a good thing--good morally, good for individuals, good as social policy, and good for a genetic heritage that needs serious improvement.Enhancing Evolutiondefends biotechnological interventions that could allow us to live longer, healthier, and even happier lives by, for example, providing us with immunity from cancer and HIV/AIDS. Further, Harris champions the possibility of influencing the very course of evolution to give us increased mental and physical powers--from reasoning, concentration, and memory to strength, stamina, and reaction speed. Indeed, he says, it's not only morally defensible to enhance ourselves; in some cases, it's morally obligatory.
In a new preface, Harris offers a glimpse at the new science and technology to come, equipping readers with the knowledge to assess the ethics and policy dimensions of future forms of human enhancement.
eBook
The case against perfection : ethics in the age of genetic engineering
\"What is wrong with re-engineering our nature? [The author] explores the moral quandries connected with the quest to perfect ourselves and our children\"-- Provided by publisher.
Book
Non-invasive prenatal measurement of the fetal genome
The vast majority of prenatal genetic testing requires invasive sampling. However, this poses a risk to the fetus, so one must make a decision that weighs the desire for genetic information against the risk of an adverse outcome due to hazards of the testing process. These issues are not required to be coupled, and it would be desirable to discover genetic information about the fetus without incurring a health risk. Here we demonstrate that it is possible to non-invasively sequence the entire prenatal genome. Our results show that molecular counting of parental haplotypes in maternal plasma by shotgun sequencing of maternal plasma DNA allows the inherited fetal genome to be deciphered non-invasively. We also applied the counting principle directly to each allele in the fetal exome by performing exome capture on maternal plasma DNA before shotgun sequencing. This approach enables non-invasive exome screening of clinically relevant and deleterious alleles that were paternally inherited or had arisen as
de novo
germline mutations, and complements the haplotype counting approach to provide a comprehensive view of the fetal genome. Non-invasive determination of the fetal genome may ultimately facilitate the diagnosis of all inherited and
de novo
genetic disease.
Prenatal testing usually requires invasive sampling; here molecular counting of parental haplotypes in the maternal plasma allows the fetal genome to be deciphered and molecular counting of individual alleles enables the fetal exome to be captured.
Fetal genome screened non-invasively
Prenatal genetic testing usually requires invasive sampling, with associated risks to the health of the fetus and mother. Here, Stephen Quake and colleagues describe how molecular counting can be used to reconstruct the fetal genome non-invasively from maternal blood. They use shotgun sequencing to determine which of the two haplotypes within each parent is over-represented in maternal plasma DNA and has therefore been inherited by the fetus. The fetal exome can then be screened for clinically relevant alleles that were paternally inherited or had arose as
de novo
germline mutations.
Journal Article
Aggressive behavior : genetic and neural approaches
Since the heyday of research on aggression in the late 1960s, developments in several varied areas had enabled us to take a new look at this important though difficult topic. Recent findings and sophisticated new techniques in behavior genetic analysis at the time had made it possible not only to enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying aggressive behavior, but also to provide some reasonable suggestions as to the role of aggression in evolution. Originally published in 1983, there had been significant advances in genetic and neural research and a much more sophisticated and heuristic approach to the measurement and conceptualization of aggressive behavior had developed. The ten chapters in this volume provide a thorough overview of these new approaches and methodologies. There are also suggestions regarding the scope of future research on aggressive behavior, since much of what is presented describes the ongoing research activities of the contributors. This book is divided into four sections: The first provides a systematic foundation for research on aggression, and a description of some of the newer strategies for research in this area; the second concerns quantitative genetic analyses, selection data from both wild and laboratory populations, and situational determinants of aggressive behavior; the third section details new and exciting findings in neurochemical and neuropharmacological effects; and the last section contains a chapter that provides a summary and synthesis of all that has come before.
BOOK
Babies by Design
We stand on the brink of unprecedented growth in our ability to understand and change the human genome. New reproductive technologies now enable parents to select some genetic traits for their children, and soon it will be possible to begin to shape ourselves as a species. Despite the loud cries of alarm that such a prospect inspires, Ronald Green argues that we will-and we should-undertake the direction of our own evolution.
A leader in the bioethics community, Green offers a scientifically and ethically informed view of human genetic self-modification and the possibilities it opens up for a better future. Fears of a terribleBrave New Worldor a new eugenics movement are overblown, he maintains, and in the more likely future, genetic modifications may improve parents' ability to enhance children's lives and may even promote social justice.
The author outlines the new capabilities of genomic science, addresses urgent questions of safety that genetic interventions pose, and explores questions of parenting and justice. He also examines the religious implications of gene modification. Babies by design are assuredly in the future, Green concludes, and by making responsible choices as we enter that future, we can incorporate gene technology in a new age of human adventure.
eBook
The end of genetics : designing humanity's DNA
Since 2010 it has been possible to determine a person's genetic makeup in a matter of days at an accessible cost for many millions of people. Along with this technological breakthrough there has emerged a movement to use this information to help prospective parents \"eliminate preventable genetic disease.\" As the prospect of systematically excluding the appearance of unwanted mutations in our children comes within reach, David B. Goldstein examines the possible consequences from these types of choices. Engaging and accessible, this clarion call for responsible and informed stewardship of the human genome provides an overview of what we do and do not know about human genetics and looks at some of the complex, yet largely unexplored, issues we must be most careful about as we move into an era of increasing numbers of parents exercising direct control over the genomes of their children.
Book
Applied Epigenetics for Mental Health Professionals
Epigenetics—the study of cellular events that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence—is having an increasing impact on the field of biology, where it has improved our understanding of the development of pathology and led to novel treatments. The same is true in psychiatry, where epigenetics has provided new perspectives on neurodevelopment across the life span. But although the topic is increasingly present in clinical research (as well as in education, licensing, and board exams), its more complex aspects often exceed the scope of preclinical training.
The essential guide to this growing field of study, Applied Epigenetics for Mental Health Professionals is designed for practicing psychiatrists, psychiatry residents and fellows, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, trainees, and students. Numerous tables and figures, key points that summarize the most pertinent information, and study questions at the end of each chapter are the book's standout features, reinforcing the specific and broadly applicable information throughout.
Opening with an accessible primer to the major concepts that arise in current applications of epigenetics in psychiatry, the book goes on to examine how epigenetics has improved the understanding of • Mood disorders, with a focus on depression• Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders• Trauma, toxic stress, and resilience• Health-promoting behaviors and aging
Whatever gaps clinicians may have in their knowledge of the core science of epigenetics, Applied Epigenetics for Mental Health Professionals will give them the confidence to incorporate the latest research in the pathology and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
eBook