2011 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2011. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
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Do you think cloning will be apart of our future in about 50-70 years? Why or Why not?
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Emily Edelman, M.S.:
I am a genetic counselor who coordinates multiple projects at a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education in genetics to healthcare providers. I work with other genetic counselors, scientists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, bioethicists, patient advocates, and other health professionals. I have experience in providing genetic counseling to individuals with a family history of cancer, and other rare and common conditions.
Cloning involves producing a genetically identical copy of another living organism. Scientists have cloned genes, cells, and sheep. However, scientists have not successfully cloned a human being. There have been many advisory groups at the international level who have assembled to discuss the ethical implications of human cloning. We need to understand and address these ethical issues before considering human cloning.
Identical twins, by the way, are naturally occurring clones. |
| Brownsville Area High School in PA (9th grade student) |
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