Another genetics article (not fish)

[mredman]

The BIO organization supports the use of stem cells for therapeutic purposes only, which is a win-win situation. From a practical matter, if you want to get down to the cellular level, a fertile female ovulates once per month. Should we have an obligation to ensure that every ovum becomes a child? One may argue that only a fertilized ovum counts. Some people believe a human life starts at birth (abortion activists).

I don't want to argue about the religious side because I am not qualified. However, we have to recognize that science can be used to our benefit and not at the expense of another human being.

Considering less than 1% of corals harvested from the wild live less than one year in captivity, should we abondon our hobby? Those who collect corals (ornamental and reef) take a huge toll on the environment. We have less of a leg to stand on compared to the use of embryonic stem cells.

[Craig Manoukian]

Adult stem cells all the way, win - win, I agree.

Our lives began at conception, no question about it. Embryos are a viable life form. From the moment of conception, all things being equal in terms od a relatively safe environment, that embryo will be birthed and live to a ripe old age. An ovum is not a life form, just half the equation.

Again we agree that science must be used to the benefit of all and the detriment of none.

We agree too on the coral issue. Nothing but propogated species in my tank. Just my part in trying not to be more of the problem!

[cheeks69]

Great points everyone and I do agree with you Craig life begins at conception.
One thing I would like to mention is that science and technology although has made tremendous progress and advances and has been a great benefit for humanity, but unfortunately it has it's limits. Pain, suffering and death are part of imperfection and no scientist can cure that.

[NaH2O]

Originally posted by cheeks69
Pain, suffering and death are part of imperfection and no scientist can cure that.

I disagree to some extent here. What about all of the pain, suffering, and death that had occured prior to antibiotics? Or what about vaccines? I vaccinate my child in order to prevent her from acquiring diseases that potentially could prove fatal. I also wanted to add, that I would have loved for there to have been a drug that helped my mom have a better quality of life or helped her live 3 more months to see the birth of my first child. This is what she wanted more than anything....hopefully, in the future with science, cures to diseases will be found.

[Edit: Oops, I just realized that you were talking about curing imperfection...boy, if a scientist comes up with that cure - there will be a lot of happy wives!]

[ScottT1980]

Yeah, I think the root of the argument really does lie in where Life begins and your views on transgenics and the use of embryonic stem cells are dependent on this ideology to a certain extent.


Nikki, I am sorry to hear the ordeal that you went through. Cancer is the damndest thing because it seems like it would be so easy to cure and yet, the smartest people in the world have yet to figure it out. I hope that one day somebody will stumble upon something that pharmocologically distinguishes a somatic/"normal" cell from a cancerous cell...

Take care
Scott T.

[cheeks69]

Have antibiotics and vaccines stopped pain, suffering and death ?
There's no question that those things have helped and I applaud the effort that scientists have made to improve and to a certain extent, extend our lives. But new diseases are popping up all the time and some old ones are making a comebacks like tuberculosis and antibiotics are proving ineffective. All of us would like to see an end to this. Nobody likes to see a loved one suffer and die, it affects all of us. JMHO

[Craig Manoukian]

I have three children and a wife that I wouldn't wish the pain and suffering I've been through with two near death accidents and twenty two surgeries. That being said, I shudder to think of the selfish and egocentric person I could have been without these challenges. I know for a fact that without having to overcome the physical challrnges in my life I would be far less of a person.

I am truly thankful to God for all of the fine medical staff and technology that has allowed me to be alive and carry on a normal life, but i wouldn't change a thing.

If the challenges in life don't kill you they will make you stronger if you have the right attitude. There is a seed of equal or greater benefit in every challenge or adversity. Overcoming and percervering are the stuff of good character, and there are few people who can stand to be around anyone who is not of good character.

There's no question we want to improve the quality of life, but I think we all agree that life with people of no good charcter would not be a very good quality of life. Again life is not worth pursuing at the expense of another life, I'm just too much of a win - win kind of guy!

[SaltyQueen]

good to hear you're doing better, craig

[Craig Manoukian]

SQ,

Thanks so much, not an attempt to garner ant pity I'm just fine. My accidents were when I was 10 and 16 respectively so that was a long time ago and in land far, far...

Here is some evidence that I'm really not too worse for wear



May God Bless and everyone have a great day!