A Different Perspective
by Arpita MiraniWhen Watson and Crick discovered the DNA and its double-helical structure, never in their wildest dreams would they have imagined that genes and the DNA would fascinate not only the members of the scientific community, but also detectives, movie makers and children alike.
I first became aware of the power and significance of the DNA when I saw the movie “The Jurassic Park”, based on a book by Michael Crichton by the same name. After watching the “X-Men” animated series on Cartoon Network, my awe had turned to fascination.
Detective serials/programs aired on the Discovery Channel, like Great Detectives, etc., have actually shown the power of the DNA unleashed.
Who would have thought that blood stains/ semen spots on clothes could actually preserve the DNA for years? The DNA fingerprinting has helped nab a number of serial killers. One person that comes to my mind while writing about serial killers is Ted Bundy, the rapist and killer of teenage girls. He eluded the police of many US states before being nabbed, thanks to the DNA.
DNA mapping/ fingerprinting is also being used to find out the
parentage and also to determine genetic disorders.
Biotechnology is also being used extensively in saving numerous lives by using
it for skin regeneration, liver regeneration, reducing the chances of transplant
rejections, bone marrow transplants, etc.
The latest furore is cloning. The whole act of cloning is being considered blasphemous by some cultures and religions, and others are looking at it mixed with awe and trepidation.
Whatever said and done, the truth is that biotechnology is still in its nascent stage and whatever has been seen, observed and done till now is just the tip of the iceberg.
Just one advice to all – be prepared to be shocked and awed and surprised and scared at the same time; in short, be prepared to witness the biggest upheaval in the history of mankind; be prepared for the wildest ride of mankind.
April 2006, Jeev
http://www.dce.edu/jeev
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.