Word: researchers
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Even before the Human Genome Project was begun by the NIH, others were deeply involved in probing the genome. Building on a long-standing program of research on DNA damage caused by radiation, biologist Charles DeLisi in 1987 persuaded the Energy Department to launch its own genome program. In addition to the sequencer and computer-hardware engineering projects, Energy Department scientists are focusing their attention on mapping seven complete chromosomes...
...common cold has been an elusive goal for generations. The reason: there are more than 100 different types of rhinoviruses, the culprits responsible for about half of all colds. Now scientists may have the key to warding off the sniffles. Reporting in the journal Cell last week, two separate research teams announced the discovery of a cell molecule to which rhinoviruses attach themselves. When the cold viruses bind to the molecule, known as the ICAM-1 receptor, they infect the cell...
That is what most frightens the foes of genetic engineering. If biologists can change the course of heredity, they can try to play God and influence human destiny. In 1983 activist Jeremy Rifkin, a longtime opponent of many kinds of genetic research, and several dozen theologians mounted an unsuccessful effort to persuade Congress to ban all experiments on human germ cells. Said Avery Post, president of the United Church of Christ, at the time: "We're not good enough or responsible enough. There is no question about it. We will abuse this power...
...geneticist is currently planning to transfer genes to human germ cells. Even though mankind has been playing God since biblical times, rearranging the germ lines of crops and farm animals to suit human needs, researchers do not advocate extending such genetic tinkering to people. But medical scientists have an obligation to protect humanity against disease and pestilence. Once it becomes possible to eradicate a gene that causes a fatal disorder, and thus keep it from passing to future generations, it will be criminal not to do so. As director of the Human Genome Project, James Watson contends that the research...
Fortunately, the most ardent supporters of genetic research are the first to admit the potential for abuse and see the need for ground rules. Many ethicists and scientists who have studied the issues agree on certain basic principles...