The Human Genome Project (HGP) involves a collaboration of scientists from around the world to gather more information about human genes. Started around 1990, it was sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute, with a point of making more genes available for research. Because of their complexity, genes are very difficult to understand, and a better understanding towards them (and human DNA) is expected to result in revolutionary advancements in medicine.
However, the project has become a hot topic in debates worldwide, with opposing sides having their strong opinions. To get a good insight about it, let us take a look at some of its pros and cons, according to proponents and opponents.
List of Pros of the Human Genome Project
1. It allows for creating more effective drugs.
One of the greatest benefits of gaining better understanding of human genes is intelligent drug modification. This allows scientists to develop drugs that are more effective for individuals with particular genes.
2. It offers some health benefits.
The Human Genome Project is said to make medical discoveries, where many serious diseases and health conditions can be better understood. Thus, they can be treated with the research obtained through the HGP.
3. It is a booming business.
The HGP and gene sequencing have had a considerable amount of commercial success. The project has created hundreds of billions of dollars and has employed millions of people in such a short period of time. It is certainly making money, so it has become influential.
List of Cons of the Human Genome Project
1. It raises some ethical questions.
For those who are opposed to the Human Genome Project, it is polarizing because they see it as genetic modification that would destroy the natural sequence. This, probably, is the biggest reason why the HGP has become a very controversial topic in arguments.
2. It still has no real-world implications.
One suspected major flaw of the HGP is that it could also be another research with a long process of understanding something without any real world implication. It is possible that that the understanding of human genes would just lead to nothing substantial. In fact, there are many scientists who are endorsing the idea simply because no one clearly knows the effects of genetic modification on humans.
3. It has some issues on privacy.
The study and sharing of human genes have led to some privacy issues. Remember that the Human Genome Project shares personal information with government agencies and organizations, so it might lead to questions whether the time would come when genes can determine if you are given a treatment. The privacy issues associated with the HGP are serious and must be addressed.
Conclusion
Like many other scientific experiments, not everything about the Human Genome Project is positive, as there are definitely some cons that come with it. Nonetheless, we can obtain a good insight about it by knowing the factors on both sides of the coin.