Is it moral to produce transgenic animals?
Given the advanced technology, “Playing God” no longer seems so improbable. From the discovery of microscope that uncovered the unseen dimensions of organisms to the innovative methods of altering genomes, the paradigm of biology has definitely shifted toward another level. With the present advancement in biotechnology, humans now are capable of decoding the DNA as well as modifying it – it is possible to create a chimera, an ancient mythological creature with a combination of characteristics of multiple animals. As exciting as it may seem, it is also frightening – Do we have the right to freely transform in the livings whatever that we deem unfit, while attempting to counter what the evolution has chosen? What will happen, then, if we attempt to make fearsome creations that never mean to exist? These questions make us ponder. There are two possible ways: the scientists, applying the biotechnological knowledge, find solutions for originally cureless diseases and benefit the society. Or, on the other hand, they, with the power to play God, create dreadful organisms which result in endangering the entire species on Earth. Let’s hope that the latter will never happen.
What influence has the advancing biotechnology on Art?
Arguably, the fluorescent rabbit is a work of art. Because the definition for Arts is so broad and boundless, it seems anything could apply to the Artistic Realm. In the presentation on Monday, I was astounded to see how common transgenic animals are in the science field and how few people actually know about it. However, when one case was censored, the whole public seems to be more interested than ever. The boundary between art and science reveal much gray area on the topic of biotechnology. In a way, the production of transgenic animals redefines art; it makes the impossible possible. Such influence will only intensify and become more overwhelming.
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotechnology
http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/what_is_biotechnology.html
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/T/TransgenicAnimals.html
Art, Science + Technology 
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