Cracking Your Genetic Code Reflection

This week, as a class, we watched a documentary called Cracking your Genetic Code by Nova. The documentary discussed a new technology that allows for a person genetic code to be read and written out onto a flash drive. The point of the practice being to allow people to see any current or upcoming genetic disorders they may be or become subject to. This technology could also be used to help diagnose patients who had not been given a proper diagnosis. However, while some of these disorders detected would be able to be prevented, there are many that would not be able to be treated or prevented. This is a perfect example as to whether ignorance is bliss. Would you want to know if you were going to develop a disorder that could not be treated such as Alzheimers? or Parkinson’s disease? Or would you rather not know anything and risk not knowing about a disorder that could have been prevented?

I think there is a decent chance that this technology will affect how one chooses a significant other. People may begin to wonder what their partners genetic code looks like, and wonder if they will want to have kids with this person if their genetic code is not perfect. Additionally, an article posted onto The Conversation discussed how scientists have scanned people’s DNA sequences and researched how genes determine a persons facial appearance. This makes me wonder if people will begin to research how we can alter someone’s genetic code to change their physical appearance and characteristics.

I would definitely recommend this documentary, I thought the topic was very interesting and I find it very important to keep up with new medicines that are being used on people. Additionally, I think it brings up a lot of interesting questions surrounding ethics and personal morals.

Whenever I hear about technology involving people’s DNA and genetics, I wonder whether it is ethical or not? If it is considered ethical, where do we draw the line to ensure that it does not become an unethical practice?