The Human Genome Project

I chose to view Hannah's presentation mostly because I'm very interested in that particular area of science and so I wanted to learn more. Her topic is such a controversial one that needs to be discussed and researched because it's something that's a part of today's society. The first video did a great job in giving the viewer an overview of the human genome project and its purpose. I especially liked how the presentation immediately talked about the ethics and opinions that surround this topic and just how significant it really is to the future of mankind. People need to realize the consequences that the topic of "cloning" or "genetic engineering" could have on society. It's definitely a topic that cannot be ignored because scientists are constantly, yet cautiously, working and expanding all of these ideas to try and potentially improve the population's health. This topic is so incredibly intriguing, yet scary. It's bizarre to think that one day parents could have the option of choosing their child's genetic make-up, which also brings up the issue of discrimination in the workforce and how the procedures would only be available to wealthier families. One thing that had never crossed my mind up until I viewed this presentation was the statement that explained how the principle that hard work brings success could disappear because people wouldn't have to practice or work hard to be a better athlete where they could just go through the procedure of gene doping and automatically have that gene that would make someone stronger or faster. I don't think that's right. Yes, it would be great to just have that ability and already be a great athlete, but I think people should consider the ethics behind it. I've been told countless times the motto "practice makes perfect," or at least close to it, and it's true. People need to work hard to improve their abilities or, like Hannah said, study a lot to do well on a test. If people just get handed something to them without working for it, then they will never learn.