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Showing posts with the label ethics

PLASTIC SURGERY; PROS AND CONS

“Prior to my nose operation, I suffered a lot because of teasing. I did not want a nose that was special, just one that suited me. I am very happy with the result, and I would do same thing all over again.”-Elea.” “Why should I submit to standardized ideas of good looks? With surgically altered body parts. I would feel like fake money. Not genuine.”-Matthew. “Everyone must decide for himself or herself. It is very difficult for someone else to judge.”-Imma “Whoever is prettier than I am must be wearing makeup.” In Germany, that humorous saying has long served as a sort of defense for people who worry that their looks are less than perfect. In some lands nowadays, though, the saying might well be updated to: “Whoever is prettier than I am must have gone under knife.” Indeed, cosmetic surgery is becoming commonplace. “The days are over when cosmetic surgery was reserved for the rich,” reports the Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung, adding: “Two trends have emerged: More and more me

HAS SCIENCE GONE TOO FAR; STEM CELLS TECHNOLOGY

STEM CELLS: HAS SCIENCE GONE TOO FAR? Advances in stem cell research have led some to predict cures for a host of illnesses. But not everyone shares the excitement. Why is there so much controversy surrounding stem cells? “The stem cell debate has led scientists and nonscientists alike to contemplate profound issues, such as who we are and makes us human beings” MEDICAL MARVEL, ETHICAL MINEFIELD Kris has Type 1 diabetes. Her diseased pancreas no longer produces insulin. Now imagine if Kris could go to a doctor and have new cells, specially cultured in a laboratory, transplanted into her body to replace damaged pancreatic cells. As these new cells became functional, Kris could gradually discontinue insulin therapy and return to normal health. Until recent times potential cures would have sounded like science fiction, but now some researchers believe that they are a possibility. Why so? Because in 1998, scientists found a way to culture large num