All it takes is to find the gene

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• Format Audio, Texts
• Target Audience Self-directed learning
• Duration <5 mins
• Difficulty Introductory

Key Concepts addressed

• 1-2b Explanations about how treatments work can be wrong

Details

‘It’s . . . hoped that the genetic revolution will cure every problem known to man. We will be able to locate and replicate the genes that predispose us towards building better housing, eliminating pollution, enduring cancer more bravely, implementing funds for universally available childcare facilities, and agreeing on the location and design of a national sports stadium. Soon, every newborn will be delivered on to a genetically level playing field. The gene that, say, makes girls do better at GCSEs [high school exams] than boys will be identified and removed. The genetic possibilities are endless. . . . So, yes we’re entering an uncertain world, but one that holds out certain hope. For whatever the grave moral quandaries the genetic issue throws up, it will one day be possible to isolate the gene that solves them.’

Iannucci A. The Audacity of Hype. London: Little, Brown, 2009, pp270-1

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