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Now that the buzz about the breakthrough in human genome research is leaving its mainstream "hype" phase, core questions can now begin to be answered. Last week, Islam Online conducted a live dialogue with a genetics research specialist who dealt with a recurring barrage of questions about the next step in genome research.
Dr. Shamsul Hoque, a staff fellow at the National Institute of Health, had this to say about the direction that science will take in genome research, "This breakthrough will be of immense benefit to the field of medicine and will help to understand and eventually treat 4,000 genetic diseases."
Dr. Hoque also believes that this advance in genetics research will bring about a refreshing advance in technology. He said, "The genome project will force the development of new technology and improve current technology to facilitate biomedical-biological research and biotechnology."
Scientists hope that with continued research and technological advances, diseases such as cancer and cystic fibrosis will soon have the type of resources available not only for treatment but perhaps even prevention. Decoding the human genome will help specialists and researchers to identify diseased genes or any genetic abnormality that causes genetic diseases. This could help to develop a diagnostic tool to diagnose disease at an early stage and may help us to design a specific drug or genetic medicine (gene therapy) to combat the harmful effects of these diseases.
Another issue that has weighed heavily on the conscience of people in the early stages of human genome research is whether or not corporations and insurance companies will use the genetic information of their employees or potential clients as a gauge of who, or who not, to do business with.
With the breakthrough in human genome research, the genetic make-up of all people could very realistically be available to companies in the near future. What concerns experts in bioethics, as well as the common people, is that companies will use that information as a criterion of whether or not to hire a person for a job.
Insurance companies could also benefit from this information. By checking the medical history of a potential or current client, an insurance company could raise the rate on that person's premium.
Because of this concern, medical experts in bioethics have pressed for legislation to be passed that would protect people's privacy. They depicted genetic discrimination as a very serious social issue in this young 21st century. Craig Venter, the head of Celera Genomics, said on NBC's Meet The Press, "I think that the biggest issue we are facing is the potential for genetic discrimination." He added, "If we are not given protection by Congress from people using this information against all of us, the real breakthroughs that are happening in our scientific labs right now will not benefit the American public in terms of new treatment for cancers and other diseases."
Another avenue of benefit that this genetic breakthrough could realistically bring about is the conclusion to some of the most controversial scientific theories. For example, with continued research, scientists would be able to figure out if Darwin's theory of evolution is factual.
Currently, Darwin's theory maintains its status as a strong theory. However, what many people may not realize is that when it comes to scientific research, scientists will look for facts to prove a scientific rule or law that they want to be known. In a case where they cannot base a rule or law of science upon factual evidence, they will use a theory that is based upon the closest evidence they have to fact. When they find new evidence, they will use that instead.
Therefore, in the case of the evolution theory, scientists can now conclude through genetic research whether Darwin's theory is fact or fiction. "If all the sequences are known, we can disprove or approve the hypothesis that Darwin made about evolution. It will definitely assist us in being able to identify the human origin," said Dr. Hoque.
As genetic research continues, these issues will slowly be answered one by one. Only time will tell whether or not companies will utilize the genetic codes of people for unethical and immoral purposes
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