The Controversy of Genetic Engineering

     As of recently, scientists have been able to bring back the dire wolf back from extinction. This animal roamed our Earth over 10,000 years ago, and has now been brought back due to genetic engineering. But why? They say that this was a great achievement for science, but many are curious about what will happen forward? Does this mean that we can bring back any animal from extinction? Who's in charge of this powerful science? 

    Well let's start off from the basics. For those who do not know, genetic engineering is basically "the direct manipulation of DNA to alter an organisms characteristics in a certain way." On the surface, this can be seen as something that would be great. Not only can scientists enhance our food quality, but diseases such as cancer and defects can be treated all through genetic engineering. But with most things, it's sounds too good to be true. Many are skeptical of using genetic engineering. Since it's such a new invention, things can go wrong. People are also concerned about the ethical part of genetic engineering. They question, "why are we changing things that aren't meant to be changed?'

    This topic actually came up in my GBBE class a few weeks ago. Some people were against it, and some were in support of it. My classmates who were in support of it backed up their argument with the fact that genetic engineering could save lives of many, since it has the power to change a gene. While my classmates who were against it, said that genetic engineering could possibly fall into the wrong hands, leading to very deep consequences. In my opinion, both sides are very valid. In the world we are currently living in, there are people who will use genetic engineering for the worst. While on the other hand, many want to use it for good.  

    As the BBC says, "genetic engineering is one of the most controversial topics of this century."




Comments

  1. Angela ZApril 13, 2025 at 10:43 AM

    I love your use of rhetorical questions in your intro to grab the reader’s attention. I also liked how you connected this to your own experience studying DNA in GBBE. It really showed how exposed we are to the topic - it’s even become a classroom discussion for highschoolers. Overall, your blog was very interesting a relevant - especially with recent events bringing the “dire wolf” back to life.

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  2. Cousin ToroApril 13, 2025 at 2:17 PM

    Genetic engineering is truly fascinating, and from a moral standpoint seems correct in how it can possibly save the lives of many people. However, I do question the ethics that come with medical technology today. Maybe I’m just devils advocate, but I feel like mankind is trying so hard to fight against natural processes. It is normal to fear death. But in the same manner, death is normal. I feel like our fight to keep our invasive species alive is ultimately ruining the fate of this world’s ecosystem.

    ReplyDelete
  3. IselaApril 13, 2025 at 6:37 PM

    Hi Megan! I loved your blog! It was really enriching to now an aware of the context of the argument, as well as the different side’s arguments. I think your personal experience really contributed to the ethos in your piece as well as when you cited BBC. It strengthened your argument a ton. Great job!

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  4. Deon PolicarpioApril 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Megan, I really liked your blog this week. I really liked how you connected your point to when you were in GBBE studying DNA. I also like how you pointed out different arguments that are relevant to your topic. Great job!

    ReplyDelete

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