UNIT 1: Introducing Biology

Textbook Article

When Knowledge and Ethics Collide

Updated May 31, 2010 — Our ability to change living things grows as we learn more about life. But sometimes biotechnology makes us question whether we should change organisms just because we can. Maybe the technology is dangerous or maybe it challenges our values. Consider the greenish pig in the photo. A gene from a fluorescent jellyfish was added to its genome by genetic engineering. Genetic engineering holds great promise for medicine. But how and when should we alter an organism’s genes?

January 23, 2009Can You Tell A Bully By His Genes?

Do you know some people who react more aggressively than others when they are bothered by something? Recent studies have identified a gene that may lead people to be more aggressive. The real name of this gene is monoamine oxidase...

August 16, 2007A New Meaning to “Smart Dresser”

Garment-integrated electronic technology —that is, smart tools in your clothes —is much more appealing than implanting a computer chip under your skin. But how confidential can your health record be when your garments are smart enough to monitor and report your vital statistics and activity?

August 16, 2007Extra Embryos: Destroy or Donate to Research?

One of the hottest debates in bioethics has been the use of human embryos in stem cell research. Infertility patients find themselves in the middle of this debate — they must decide what to do with their embryos once they are done having children.