The Future of Humans and Biotechnology.
Society is faced with problems whose best solutions will be provided by the advancement of Biotechnology. Genetic engineering has proved to some extent to be an asset to society for example, the efficient and safe method of producing insulin. Prior method has shown some damaging side-effects on some patients. If it was not for the introduction of this efficient and cost-effective way of producing insulin, many innocent lives would have been wasted.
Genetically engineered food has been proved to be of an economic advantage due to the fact that these foods had longer shelf life. A variety of plants with higher yields, improved taste and nutritional value, and that require less use of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds dressings are of potential benefits to future generations. Since altering genetic information of food to satisfy human needs is still in its early stages, further research needs to be carried out to disclose any potential human risks. .
Genetic alternation has also been introduced into animals and humans. It is being practice on animals to increase their yields etc, but most die from the experimental tests and this could be going beyond moral and ethical boundaries e.g. cloning of Dolly the Sheep who recently died of lung complications. Such incidents or even worse may happen to man in future if he is cloned.
Biotechnology on humans in some cases has its advantages for example, very many children are borne with fatal disease, but genetic engineering has made it possible to identify such diseases in a fetus hence providing the parents with an option to terminate pregnancy. As such genetic engineering seems ethical. However if a child is brought in the world with such diseases, the child could face many social and health problems.
A breakthrough in human technology may result in control of future generation by the present generation. People want the best for their children and will do anything to make sure that their children are perfect.
