Today I wrote a paragraph and editted two.

My next session will be tomorrow afternoon. I will continue to write.

Exploratory Draft

Thesis Statement: Many will argue that embryonic stem cell and cloning research could cause overwhelming positive outcomes and should be pursued on federal/universal levels, but there is a point where scientific advancement can go too far and require a universal legislation to limit the extent of the advancements.

Science has many numerous advances that have changed our lives drastically. We have medicine to make us better when we are ill, vaccinations to prevent us from getting ill, and technology to simplify everything. Our realm of knowledge and advancements are constantly changing and much scientific advancement is at the point where they can change the world as we know it drastically. Over the past few years science has turned to researching the use of embryonic stem cells and cloning to serve as cures or corrections to medical ailments. At this current time there is no universal legislation limiting how far science is allowed to go, but there is a need for one.

Embryonic stem cell research and cloning are very controversial issues that challenge many ethical and religious views. In the United States, we as voters play a role in deciding how far science will federally be allowed to go by electing officials that side with us, and yet each state creates their own legislation to handle the topic. Nor, is there any good by just one country limiting the advancements because those interested in perfecting this technology will just move elsewhere, like Clonaid already did. To understand the need for such a universal limit, one needs to clearly understand the matters at hand clearly. The issues of embryonic stem cell research and human cloning are very complex and cannot be completely restricted or allowed to go one without restrictions.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research is a rather new technology that can use embryonic stem cells to repair almost any part of the human body. Since the stem cell is not specified just to the brain or lungs it can be used to treat many health problems, such as: AIDS, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease and more. But the controversy comes from how an embryonic stem cell is retrieved; to use the stem cell the embryo is destroyed. Rather that is right or wrong depends on when one considers life to begin. In the United States researches can only use already existing stem cell for research; they are not allowed to harvest new ones. Researchers argue that this restriction is drastically hindering the advancements they can make and possible cures they can find.

Cloning is a bit more complicated. There are three different types of cloning: tissue, organ, and human. The difference between the three is the end result, tissue cloning produces tissues, organ cloning produces organs, and human cloning produces a human embryo or a copy of a human, and is the most controversial. Within the types of cloning there are different types, there are two ways to achieve a tissue or organ clone, depending on the way used determines if it is considered ethical, by most. But, for the sake of this argument, human cloning will be the focus.

Human cloning is still considered a sci-fi fantasy to most, but the truth is that there are those in pursuit of making a human clone, and becoming closer and closer to achieving their goal. Some have issue with the idea of human cloning because of religious beliefs, they feel that creating a human clone is trying to play God, but that is not a universal valid argument against cloning. To encourage a universal ban on cloning it needs to be shown that it violates universal ethics and could drastically damage human life. In order to do this many take the approach of thinking of the clones. If clones are created, what problems will occur with them and non-cloned humans?

Summary of Peer Evaluation

Overall,peer editting gave me rather positive feedback. I was given the advice to use more quotations in my annotations, I only had a quotation in one. For my introduction I am going to try and find a nay sayer, and I forgot to have my sources in alphabetical order, so I am going to do that in revising, as well.

Annotated Bibliography

Types
Cui, ke-Hui (2005). Three Concepts of Cloning in Human Beings. Reproducitve BioMedicine Online, 16-17. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete.

This source gives readers information on three different types of cloning: tissue, organ, and human cloning. Cui encourages the use of tissue and organ cloning for the future, but implies the human cloning will completely change the human race. This article will help in my research because it seperates the different types of cloning and breaks down what he percieves as being ethical.

Laws and Restrictions
Koutnik-Fotopoulos, Eileen (2007). The Stem Cell Debate: What Does the the Future Hold?. Pharmacy Times, 105-106. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Academic Search Complete.

This source informs readers of the current legislation on stem cell research and how each state can individually fund research under their own jurisdiction. The article also makes a clear arguement that stem cell research is not going to be stopped by any means because of the many medical cures it could offer. The Stem Cell Debate is significant to my research because it is a strong advancement in science that is very controversal. Stem Cell Research can either be thought of as a wonderful effort or, a terrible experiment. I want to get the views of Americans to see if there should be a limit on science, and it seems, from this article, that most Americans are in support of stem cell research.

Public Opinion
Nisbet, Matthew C (2004). The Polls--Trends: Public Opinion About Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning. Public Opinion Quarterly, 68(1), p131-154. Retrieved November 5, 2007 from Communication & Mass Media Complete.


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Dinc, Leyla (May 2003). Ethical issues regarding human cloning: a nursing perspective.
Nursing Ethics, 10(3). Retrieved on October 31, 2007 from Academic Search Complete.

Rai, Balwant, Dhattarwal, S. K.., Kharb, Deepa, Jain, Rajnish, Kharb, Latika, Kharb, Simmi, &
Anand, S. C. (2007). Human Clone: Who Is Related To Whom. Internet Journal of Law,
Healthcare & Ethics, 4(2). Retrieved November 1, 2007 from Academic Search
Complete.

Annas, George J., Andrews, Lori B., & Isasi, Rosario M. (2002). Protecting the Endangered Human: Toward an International Treaty Prohibiting Cloning and Inheritable Alterations. American Journal of Law & Medicine, 28(2/3). Retrieved November 1, 2007 from Academic Search Complete.

Should the United States limit scientific advances?

Primary Sources (first-hand research): I plan on interviewing my past physics teacher,who has a PhD in science and has worked in many major scientific advances in Russia. I will ask him questions such as:
-what could the downside be of cloning, stem cell, and A.I.?
-how close do you believe we are to achieving any of the above to their fullest?
-what are potential positives of stem cell, cloning, and A.I.?
-do you think there should be a limit set on how far science can advance?
-what limits are already set?
Secondary Sources: I will examine the laws already in place in the U.S. that limit scientfic advances, examine what progress has already been made in cloning, stem cell, A.I., examine the counter arguements and what groups oppose or support scientific advances.

Roles for Research

Should the United States limit scientific advances? Advocate in a Controversy

What is the current view of experts on scientifc advances, such as A.I., stem cell, and cloning? Synthesizer of Current Best Thinking on a Problem

What are the current arguements for and agaisnt cloning, stem cell, and A.I.? Reviewer of a Controversy

Progress Report

What I have learned so far...
There is a lot of information regarding cloning and stem cell, but most opinions on it are either fully for it or fully against it. Some of the information is very technical, too far over my head, and others are a little to basic as to what is exactly being done in the process of cloning or stem cell.

What do I still need/want to know as I shift to library research?
I really want to know the threats that cloning, stem cell, and A.I. pose to the world. I might have to take a more philosophical/ethnical approach. I still need to get a better grasp on the details of the science.