week 6

In my opinion, I feel that biotechnology and bioengineering is an unnecessary process in most cases.  I don’t believe that we should test mutations on animals, however in some instances, it is the necessary thing to do so we do not take human lives.  One unnecessary point we learned about in lecture is the man who implanted an ear into his arm.  It is understandable that we have the ability to do that; I just do not understand why anyone would want to or why it is necessary.

As discussed in a few videos, some use animal body parts and turn those into a way of art.  An example of this is Zaretsky making artwork from chicken feet and squid, and putting it together in an artistic way.  I feel there is a difference in biotechnology with a purpose, as in scientific ways, and biotechnology in an artistic way.  In scientific ways, there is a search for ways to improve life, but in an artsy way, it is based upon entertainment for ones self. 

  

A Vadodara-team of Scientists used stem cell research to take adipose tissue and turn it into insulin for diabetic patients.  This is just one great way that biotech is useful in a productive way.  What biotechnology really is is an alteration in DNA cells.  Even the smallest changes can be a major difference in a cell.  So adding different cells to the body, will create an alteration, hopefully helping a patient in a positive way. 

Bibliography 

Bioart. N.d. video. YoutubeWeb. 10 Nov 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&v=MdSt-Hjyi2I

Biotech Art. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 10 Nov 2013. <http://arts.ccpblogs.com/files/2008/07/brandejs_245_320-425.jpg>.

Cut Rat . N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 10 Nov 2013. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Cut_Rat.jpg>.

Stem Cell . N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 8 Nov 2013. <http://montanabiotech.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/biotech-pipette.jpg>.

"Vadodara doctors, scientists get department of biotechnology funds for stem cell research." The Times of India . N.p.. Web. 9 Nov 2013. <http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-09/vadodara/43853933_1_stem-cells-shinya-yamanaka-john-gurdon>.