Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Breast cancer cures and cloning

I thought Professor Macosko's approach to research on the breast cancer growth factor receptors was very interesting. I had no idea that it was possible to place DNA primers on small beads that would allow a scientist to essentially "grow" a DNA strand from a small starter DNA piece. Moreover, the beads carrying different DNA can be separated and stored like a collection of books in the library. The PNA can then attach to the DNA while simultaneously attaching a drug to that DNA strand. When the bead bounces off of the protein target, which simulates the cancer growth factor receptors, and the drug that works may be detected by the fluorescence of the bead. By facilitating more efficient drug testing, this method increases the chance that the "wonder drug" will be discovered. I believe this brings a very positive perspective to the battle against breast cancer as well as other threatening diseases on the forefront of research. On the other hand, i think that the science of cloning is far from the point where I could legitimately take a stance in favor or against. Especially in relation to scientific discovery, I like to see the finished product and understand all details before I speculate as to how that would affect me and the world. Out of curiosity I would like to see somebody create a fully functional human clone and present it to the world. I like drama.

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