First time in the world, a group of Chinese scientists performed an experiment that alters human embryos using gene alteration technology.

This method used by the scientists maybe possible only to correct genetic failures in mature cells because it does not affect the patient’s reproductive DNA.The technique has been used to improve bone marrow cells of patientsin order to increase their resistance to HIV.

However, applying this powerful method to embryonic cells, rather than to mature cells raises apprehensions. Unforeseeable consequences could appear in the future generation.

As reported, the experiment has not limited itself to the abnormal gene, but changed normal parts of the DNA.Germ line alterationcould permanently change a person’s DNA.

Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, statedclearly that germ line alteration has been regarded almost universally as a line that should not be crossed.

Scientists, bioethicists and the international communityopposed and rejected the study and claimed that this type of genetic modification crossed an impermissible ethical line.

From the Christian perspective, thegerm line manipulation regard the child as a product that can be improved upon rather than a gift from God.

This new line of researchdeliberately sacrifices the lives of some to potentially improve someone else’s life.Also a new attitude of today quietly uses prenatal genetic tests to eliminate genetic diseases through abortion.

Concerned groups called for a termination of this new experiment and to stop those researchers and ethicists that destroy embryos.This very sensitive matter demands transparent public discussions.

The relief of suffering is a fine and appropriate goal for medicine and biotechnology research, but the moral cost cannot be justified no matter how noble the goal.

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Tidbits:

ITF, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) and the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) jointly launched a new survey on the main health concerns affecting women who work on board ships that makes up 1 to 2% of the global seafarer workforce.

Nearly half of all respondents reported that joint/back pain and stress/depression/anxiety were the two biggest health challenges they faced. Sexual harassment was also reported as a problem, especially among younger women.

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If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. (By Edgar Allan J. Tac-an)