Human genetics and ethics / edited by Justin Healey.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Healey, Justin, editor.

Series:

Issues in society ; volume 433.

Issues in Society ; volume 433

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human genetics--Law and legislation--Australia.

Human genetics.

Genetic engineering--Australia.

Genetic engineering.

Human genetics--Moral and ethical aspects--Australia.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (60 pages) : colour illustrations.

Place of Publication:

Thirroul, NSW : Spinney Press, [2018]

Summary:

Each cell in the human body contains about 20,000 genes. Genes carry the information that determines the traits that are passed on to you, or inherited, from your parents. Genes are the instructions for the growth and development of our bodies, however mutations in a person’s genome can result in a genetic condition or disease.

How do the building blocks of the human body – DNA, genes and chromosomes – interrelate and interact with the environment, and contribute to a range of serious diseases? What are the dilemmas, risks and regulations associated with genetic testing and its related privacy and discrimination issues, the corporate patenting of people’s genes, and the growing prospects of human genetic enhancement? What are the ethical implications of gene therapies and emerging biotechnology techniques like gene editing (CRISPR) in the manipulation of the human genome?

In this new era of personalised medicine are we as a species going too far, or are we on a promising path to curing many deadly diseases? Does this all amount to scientific progress, or are we playing God with our own genes?

Contents:

1: Understanding genetic testing

2: Gene ethics: risks and benefits

Exploring issues.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

192533967X

9781925339673