Topics of Bioethical Interest 2008

Ask yourself: What are the issues behind this topic?

Why do we have the problem?

What is the technology/science?

How does it work?

What are some approaches to understanding/solving the problem?

Is it safe/tested?

Then: What are the ethical questions that arise from these issues?

Should we use it/should it be done? How? Why?

What happens if we do/don’t?

Topic List for Bioethics Research Paper

Sign up for one topic-first come, first served-morning after project introduction

Develop an understanding of the topic, form a question, and decide what the future of the technology should be or be used for.

1. stem cells used in research

2. responsibility and response to emerging diseases such as HIV, hemorrhagic fever, Ebola, avian flu, others.

3. genetically modified bacteria--threat/promise (smallpox, for example)

4. US response to non endemic diseases (think malaria, polio, yellow fever)

5. shortage of organs for organ replacement

6. patents on genes and gene products (Nuffield)

7. use of knowledge of a person’s genome

8. xenotransplantation

9. needs of endangered animals vs the needs of people

10. cloning of extinct animals

11. selection of a child’s genetic characteristics

12. stem cell therapy to treat genetic diseases

13. cloning technologies for infertile couples

14. growth enhancements (as in growth hormones) for meat animals

15. safety of new biotech (broad, need to narrow)

16. environmental risks of biotechnology in agriculture

17. biopharmaceuticals testing of animals

18. experimental gene therapy use in humans

19. frozen embryo ownership

20. use of information from the Human Genome Research Project

21. transgenics and evolution

22. use of cells/tissues removed during surgical processes or after death

23. Religious vs scientific ethics (warning......difficult! This is not merely an opinion paper!)

24. use of biological agents in bioterrorism

25. irradiation of our food supply

26. use of bioengineered (transgenic) crops to feed humans (safety)

27. genetically altered fish as a protein source

28. fish farming and its effect on the environment

29. DNA vaccines to contol disease

30. using antibacterials routinely for control of bacteria

31. use of biotechnology to extend age in humans (think about the Alda film)

32. technology of maintaining life

33. owner of scientific knowledge?

34. responsibilities of scientists to the public

35. epigenetics-new and exciting (Discover, Nov 2006)

36. global warming-our response is?

37. sciences’ response to 9-11?

38. overfishing of oceanic resources

39. alternate fuel sources-biofuels

40. alternate fuel sources-non-biological

41. “green” transportation

42. building "green"

Is it ne