ePortfolio 5

For our roundtable discussions, we were separated into 4 different groups to tackle on 4 different topics. The topics covered are hybrid vehicles, green chemistry, brain scans and stem cell research.

The first group presented on the feasibility of hybrid car for the mitigation on global warming. The group debated on the usage, cost and feasibility. They list the advantages and disadvantages of an electric car. The advantages of electric cars are 100% emission-free, having no polluting byproducts, therefore they are cleaner than conventional automobiles. They secure their power from batteries and, more fuel-efficient, get better mileage and have less moving parts to wear out. However, it is rebutted with the disadvantages of all electric cars have been their limited range, long recharge time and they are still dependent on batteries.

The second group presented on the topic of brain scan. Supporters claimed that the usage of brain scan can help to solve crimes, interview and character analysis. For example, they can help in investigation by picturing the scene of the crime. However brain scan invades the privacy of a person and thus they suggested that the brain scan should be regulated.

The third group debated on the topic green chemistry. The group claim that Singapore should lead its region by adopting green chemistry as Singapore has the technology and the capability. On the other hand, the opposition argued due to the economic crisis, Singapore is unwilling to adopt on green chemistry. As Singapore often follows the footstep of other countries, Singapore should study and consult user countries in order to success in green chemistry.

The last group had debated on the usage of human stem cells in medical research. The supporters claimed that the resulting benefits will outweigh the cost in human material. It could also provide cures for terminal diseases in the future. However the opposition claimed that it has no moral guidance and they cannot tolerate the use of human embryos as the success rate is very low which means lives would be destroyed. In conclusion, the group claimed that moral ethnics is based on different people perspective and this technology should be adopted for the benefits of mankind.

ePortfolio 4

For my roundtable discussion, we have chosen the topic on the genetic technology. As genetic technology is a wide issue, we have focused it down to Stem Cell Research/ Therapeutic cloning. I have come across numerous articles and I would like to summarize 2 of the articles that I find it interesting.


First Article

Hirschler.B(2009, March 1). Researchers find safer ways to make stem cells. Retrieved March 6th, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssBiotechnology/idUSLR89990220090301?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true

This article is about a group of researchers who found a way to transform ordinary skin cells into powerful stem cells without the use of human embryos. It is done so by turning skin cells into pluripotent stem cells which acts like embryonic stem cells. We know that stem cells are able to produce all the body’s tissue and organs. Thus with the advance research on making stem cells, we could forgo the use of human embryonic cell which has since been a debating issue.

I think that this article is quite useful for our roundtable discussion as the issue for cloning has been mainly about the moral ethnic. With this advancement in technology, there is hope that the promise of regenerative medicine can be used and it could use to treat terminal diseases such as cancer or spinal cord injuries.


Second Article

Alexander.D && Fox.M(2009, March 6). Obama to sign stem cells order. Retrieved March 6th, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52569U20090306?sp=true

This article is about the newly elected President Obama who is lifting the limits on an 8 year limitation on funding on human embryonic stem cell research which was imposed by predecessor President George Bush. The issue is controversial because people believe the destruction of human embryo is wrong. The eight years limitation placed by President Bush has held up research as scientist try to find an alternative way to do research without the use of human embryos. Although a DICKEY AMENDMENT was set up to forbid the use of federal funds for the creation and destruction of human embryos for research, President Bush vetoed to override this decision.

I find this article interesting and useful as I myself support the use of human embryonic cell. Moral ethnic is based on different perspective and research to benefit mankind should not be affected by it. The advantages of stem cell research generally outweigh the disadvantages.


Vocabulary

1) Human pluripotent stem cell

One of the cells that are self-replicating, are derived from human embryos or human fetal tissue. It is known to develop into cells and tissues of the three primary germ layers.


2) Therapeutic cloning

A type of cloning with the goal of harvesting embryonic stem cells from the resulting blastula to grow tissues and other biological products with therapeutic value.


3) Dirkey Amendment

The Dickey Amendment is the name of an appropriations bill rider attached to a bill passed by United States Congress in 1995, and signed by former President Bill Clinton which prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using appropriated funds for the creation of human embryos for research purposes or for research in which human embryos are destroyed.