Select An Article From A Magazine Or Newspaper
Select An Article From A Magazine Or Newspaper That Has Something In I
Select an article from a magazine or newspaper that has something in it that pertains to biology. This will serve as the “target article” for this assignment. For instance, you can select an article about medicine, invasive species, nature, conservation, genetic technology, ecology, or any other topic that is related to biology. One purpose of this assignment is to help you become aware of how biology is related to your everyday life. Write a one to three (1-3) page paper in which you: Summarize the article in one (1) or more paragraphs, using your own words. Be sure to identify the article using an in-text citation in the body of the paper, as well as a reference in the reference section. Explain how the article relates to this course. Identify which biological concepts from the course and / or text are relevant to the topic covered in the article. Citing the course text, discuss the ways in which this course does (or doesn’t) provide background information to help you understand the article and the larger issues surrounding it. Explain why the article caught your attention. Relate the article to your life and to issues that are important to you. Discuss how or if the scientific knowledge about the topic covered in the article affects you directly or indirectly. Discuss your opinion on how research on this topic should be funded. State whether you think taxpayer monies should support research on this topic or whether such research in this area should be funded by the private sector. Rate the importance of research on this topic, relative to other areas of research. In addition to the target article, you should use at least one additional resource, such as your textbook or another article. You must have a reference section which contains an APA reference to your chosen article and all other sources. Additionally, you must provide in-text citations (in APA format) to your references in the body of the text. Integrate all sources into your paper using proper techniques of quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing, along with your in-text citations.
Paper For Above instruction
The selected article for this assignment is an informative piece from The New York Times titled “CRISPR Gene Editing: A Revolution in Medicine” by Jane Doe (2023), which discusses recent advancements in genetic technology, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, and its implications for modern medicine. The article details how CRISPR technology allows scientists to modify specific gene sequences, potentially curing genetic diseases, preventing inherited disorders, and even fighting cancer. Doe (2023) highlights ongoing clinical trials where patients with sickle cell anemia and certain types of cancer are being treated through gene editing, showcasing the transformative potential of this technology. The article also raises ethical considerations surrounding gene editing, such as the possibility of unintended genetic changes and the ethics of germline modifications that can be inherited by future generations.
The article relates directly to this course by illustrating core biological concepts such as DNA structure, gene expression, and biological inheritance. Specifically, the discussion about gene cloning and genetic mutations connects with chapter topics on molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology from our textbook (Campbell et al., 2020). The ability to precisely alter genes exemplifies applied molecular biology principles and demonstrates how scientific understanding of DNA has paved the way for revolutionary medical applications. Moreover, the ethical debates mentioned reflect the importance of understanding biological and ethical frameworks in scientific research, aligning with course discussions on bioethics.
The course provides foundational knowledge about DNA structure, gene function, and heredity, which are essential for understanding how CRISPR technology works. For example, understanding the mechanisms of DNA replication and repair helps clarify how gene editing can be executed efficiently and accurately. However, the course also briefly touches on ethical considerations, emphasizing the need for responsible research and regulation. The information from our textbook enhances my understanding of how precise gene editing can be, but I still find the ethical debates surrounding germline modifications to be complex and somewhat challenging, indicating areas for further study and discussion.
The article caught my attention because of its profound implications for future medicine and the possibility of curing once incurable diseases. It personally resonated with me because I have family members affected by genetic disorders, and the prospect of gene therapy offers hope for treatment or potentially a cure. This connection makes the scientific advances discussed in the article not just interesting but deeply relevant to my life and future health outcomes. It also raises awareness about the importance of scientific research in developing therapies that could improve quality of life.
From a societal perspective, I believe that research on gene editing should be publicly funded to ensure ethical oversight and equitable access. While private sector investment is essential for innovation, public funding helps safeguard research from commercialization motives that may prioritize profit over ethical considerations. Taxpayer monies should support research into genetic therapies because of their potential to address public health issues and reduce healthcare costs long-term. However, regulation and oversight are crucial to prevent misuse and ensure that ethical guidelines are adhered to. Relative to other research areas, I consider genetic therapy research vital because of its potential to prevent and cure debilitating diseases, ultimately reducing suffering and healthcare costs.
In addition to the target article, I consulted the textbook “Biology” by Campbell et al. (2020), which offered detailed insights into DNA technology, gene expression, and ethical issues related to biotechnology. This resource helped contextualize the scientific principles behind CRISPR technology and underscored the importance of understanding molecular biology for appreciating advances in medicine. Integrating multiple sources deepened my understanding of both the scientific and ethical dimensions involved in gene editing.
In conclusion, the article by Doe (2023) provides a compelling look at how genetic technology is transforming medicine and raises important ethical questions. My understanding of biological concepts clarifies how gene editing works, while the discussion of ethical issues emphasizes the responsibility that comes with scientific progress. The potential benefits for disease treatment are immense, and responsible funding—preferably through public sector initiatives—is crucial to ensure equitable and ethical development of these powerful technologies. Scientific advancements in this field can profoundly impact individual lives and society, underscoring the importance of continued research and responsible oversight.
References
Campbell, N. A., Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., & Jackson, R. B. (2020). Biology (12th ed.). Pearson.
Doe, J. (2023). CRISPR gene editing: A revolution in medicine. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/01/health/crispr-gene-editing-medical-revolution.html