Safe Gene Therapy? I'm wondering how many people actually know what is going on with the injection of foreign genetic material into animal and plant genes to make them do bizarre and unusual (but hopefully, helpful) things? Then they're injected into the genes of humans to cure their illnesses. I've been trying to keep up with the newest findings and scientific papers, but it is difficult sometimes to understand the lingo and know what it really means. I received a newsletter from ISIS (Institute of Science in Society) the other day where it was reported that the young American teenager, Jesse Gelsinger, who had lived most of his 18 years with a life-threatening genetic disorder where his cells were unable to eliminate waste matter, had died of the genetic treatment he'd received. He'd been injected with genetic material which was (as is now becoming common) transferred into his system through the bridge of a VIRUS. Apparently viruses are deconstructed and a portion that is viable as a carrier is used. The gene in the animal or person either cannot or chooses not to reject it. Ergo...the body accepts the genetic material to, supposedly heal the illness. Rejection has been the biggest stumbling block to making cells accept foreign genetic matter...much like the body rejecting a donated liver or kidney. I would imagine that some people are so desperately ill and in need of something being done in their cases that they'd rather die than wait till the research has been completed...and pronounced healthgiving and not deleterious. Perhaps the young man made such a decision because of a lack of quality of life otherwise. We, as a species, really need to know what's being done in the name of science and the future of the human race. I don't really mind the idea of cloning animals although I feel it's a serious tampering of nature, but human cloning...I hope that doesn't take off. Even now, with the cloned Dolly, it's been determined that clones age very rapidly and are much less healthy than normal animals. That in itself could create a huge burden on the human race and the health systems of any country where laws are not specifically defined. How can the government refuse to treat a cloned human who's always in the hospital? It would create tremendous ethical issues. However, gene transfer for improved health is a totally different matter. To my mind, the fact that viruses, or diseases, by another name, can be used to implant the genetic material sounds foolhardy for someone whose immune system is already depressed. Aren't people who are ill or "down" told not to get flu shots? Those flu shots contain a strain (mild, though it may be) of the actual bacteria. If a person is suffering from an incurable disease (which is where scientists claim they are helping humanity) doesn't it make sense not to inject them with diseases that could kill them? The latest research has been reported in the publications "Nature Biotechnology" and "Nature Medicine" trying to assure the public that the biotechnology companies are in the process of finding a better way of transferring genes in "mammals" meaning humans. I just wonder.... The link to the extensive essay by ISIS if you're interested in more in-depth information: http://www.i-sis.org.uk/safegenetherapy.php Back to the Writing Index