There is a very thin line between good science and bad science.While for some, it may sound interesting to cut, mutate and experiment but for others it may be terrible to mutate and experiment, especially on human and non-human primates. Here are some of the most controversial research projects done by Chinese Scientist, which raised questions on scientific ethics and values worldwide.
Human embryo modification
Last year, Chinese scientists shocked the world by accepting that they have successfully tweaked and modified human embryo. Some scientists have shown concern and fear over misuse of technology, sayingthiswould give parents choice to select genes they want to pass on (which is not correct). An ethically questionable genetic technology scientist in favor of the technology believes that it will help families get rid of overwhelming inherited diseases like certain cancers and cystic fibrosis.
Monkeys with a human autism gene
Image Source : ScienceNews.Org
Group of Chinese scientists have contrived monkeys with human autism genes and symptoms, with the hope to unlock cure for the little-understood disorder. To understand the human brain and how autism affects, the scientist believes that monkey’s brain will work as a model in the study.
This hasraised questions about ethics involved in experiments and their effect on non-human primates. According to the team led by ZilongQiu of Institute of Neuroscience in Shanghai, the specially created test tube monkey will will be studied to have better understating on autism.
Cryogenic freezing
Image Source : Ibtimes.Co.Uk
With the hope and aim to revive humans in future, team of researchers are engaging themselves in cryonics freezing. Receiving ample of funds from both government and private sectors in recent years, the Chinese scientists are trying to preserve human body on lower temperature, with the aim to revive them in near future when technology will be more advanced.
Screening of genetic traits
Many researchers and scientists are collecting genetic sample of kids from high schools,prisons and juvenile detention centers with the aim to lookout for the genes that lead to violent and negative traits. Predicting child’s future on basis of her genetic traits is raising moral issues among scientists as they believe that data can be easily misused by the authorities to negatively label a person based on their genetic traits.
Chinese scientific controversies involving mutation of human and animal genes raise questions on difference between good and bad science.