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| How does your work benefit us in our lives? | |||
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The study of genetics, which has been
my main area of research, has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past
few decades, until only recently, in June 2000, researchers announced that
they had completed the first rough map of the human genome. This shows the
basic arrangement of DNA that makes up the genetic code for all human beings.
To actually decipher the code to the point where we can tell what all this
genetic information means will take some time yet. But once the code is
cracked, it is likely to have a profound effect on our lives.  Even
now, scientists are exploring the DNA sequences associated with serious
diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's and trying to use that information
to develop drug therapies. Genetic screening can help alert people to the
danger of developing a certain disease or condition at a certain age.But the ability to interpret our genetic code will be a mixed blessing. The biggest issue will be how to protect people's privacy with regard to this genetic information. We must also respect the wishes of people who prefer not to know what is in their genetic code. Scientists have already created new varieties of agricultural produce by recombining genes, but in my opinion this is a very dangerous practice. By altering the genes of plants, they are polluting the gene pool, and just as environmental pollution has led to global warming and other major problems, pollution of the gene pool holds unknown dangers. When human beings manipulate DNA, the basic code of life, we are manipulating life itself, of which we are a part. We need to give serious thought to the implications of such activity. |
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| What can be done to avoid those dangers? | |||
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| The use of genetic technology in medicine
and industry affects our lives directly; it cannot be entrusted to scientists
alone. I believe it is the duty of scientists to explain the progress they
have made in a way that lay people can understand, and I have published
several books on life science and gene therapy with that goal in mind. I published a book for general readers on the human genome in January 2001. Scientists are concerned only with making more and more progress in their field. That's why ordinary people have to learn enough to consider and debate the meaning of those advances in our lives. For that reason, I think it's important for me and others to continue explaining the latest scientific developments in terms anyone can understand. |
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