Science or Science Science or Science Fiction?Fiction?

Karen FisherSpring 2013

http://www.dvdvcdplaza.com/cdimages/eng_gattaca.jpg

The Plot The Plot (6, 7)(6, 7)

Futuristic

Professional and social standing determined at birth by genetic analysis

Vincent ◦an “In-Valid”◦A custodian◦Takes the place of Jerome◦Goal is to travel in space

Who’s Who? Who’s Who? (5)(5)

Vincent(Ethan Hawke)

Jerome(Jude Law)

Born with a congenital heart defect

Predicted to die by age 30

“perfect genetic specimen” (6)

Crippled in car accident

30.2 Years . . . 30.2 Years . . . (10)

Science Fiction ScienceGenetic testing at

birthLife expectancy

determinedEnvironment affects

Vincent’s destiny – kind of . . . .

Genetic testing based on history of family

Life expectancy tables

Environment vs. Genetics??

(5)

Genetic TestingGenetic TestingCarrier screeningPre-implantation genetic diagnosis

of embryosPrenatal diagnostic testingNewborn screeningPresymptomatic & confirmational

testing on adults◦Huntington’s◦Alzheimer’s

Over 1,000 tests available

(4, 8)

The Human Genome The Human Genome MappedMapped

(9)

How Long Do You Have?How Long Do You Have? (1)

Nature vs. NurtureNature vs. NurtureIs a person’s genetic makeup the

sole determinant of who a person will be?

Does the environment influence a person’s development?

What do you think?Some biologists believe that “we are who we are because of our genes.” (3)

Berkowitz believes . . . Berkowitz believes . . . (2)(2)

Genes alone rarely predict human behavior

One faulty gene can dramatically change one’s behavior or physiology

Gene expression is influenced by◦interactions of genes◦proteins, foods, hormones◦life experiences

Can’t quantify the effects of genetics or the environment on “thoughts, emotions or behaviors”

Bottom line: in the nature vs. nurture argument, scientific studies are inconclusive

““Nature vs. Nurture Nature vs. Nurture Revisited” Revisited” (3)(3)Certain genes already identified

associated with some diseases like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s

Everyone has “predisposing genetic flaws” which can be used to predict disease risks.

“Without laws prohibiting genetic discrimination, society may soon begin penalizing people with 'bad' genes.”

Could you be denied a job, health insurance, life insurance or medical treatment because of “bad genetics?”

Heredity & the Environment Heredity & the Environment Interact Interact (3) (3)

People with perfect pitch often have family members with the same gift

Studies at the University of California show ◦that the perfect pitch trait

is highly inheritable◦musical training before

age 6 is necessary to develop the perfect pitch

Can the Human Spirit Can the Human Spirit Overcome Genetic Destiny?Overcome Genetic Destiny?

“Consider God’s handiwork; who can straighten what He hath made crooked?”

Ecclesiastes 7:13 (7)

“I not only think that we will tamper with mother nature. I think mother nature wants us to.”

Willard Gaylin (7)

In reality . . . In reality . . . Now . . .Now . . .Genetic testing? YesGenetic testing on everyone? No

Social standing and profession based on genetics? No

Estimate life expectancy? YesInteraction between the environment and genetics? Probably, but not definite.

Do you think GATTACA is a glimpse at the future?

Will we eventually do genetic testing on children at birth? For what reasons is it acceptable?

Works CitedWorks Cited

1. "Actuarial Life Table." The United States Social Security Administration. 19 Apr. 2010. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. <http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/table4c6.html>.

2. Berkowitz, Ari. "Our Genes, Our Selves." BioScience 46.1 (1996): 42+. Serendip. 3 Sept. 1996. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/gen_beh/Berkowitz.html>.

3. Davies, Kevin. "NOVA Online | Cracking the Code of Life | Nature vs Nurture Revisited." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. 2001. Web. 25 Feb. 2011. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genome/debate.html>.

4. Emma-Jane. "Human Spirit :: The Gattaca Fanlisting." Dreamhost, n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2011. <http://audiohype.net/gattaca/movie.php>.

5. Garykmcd. Gattaca (1997) - Plot Summary." The Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Amazon.com, n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/plotsummary>.

Works Cited (2)Works Cited (2)6. GATTACA. Dir. Andrew Niccol. Perf. Ethan Hawke, Jude Law,

Uma Thurman. Columbia Pictures, 1997. DVD.

7. "Gene Testing." Oak Ridge National Laboratory. U.S. Department of Energy Genome Program's BERIS, 17 Sept. 2010. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. <http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetest.shtml>.

8. "GTL Image Gallery Office of Science." Genomics.energy.gov--genome Programs of the U.S. Department of Energy. U. S. Department of Energy, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2011. <http://genomics.energy.gov/gallery/>.

9. "Image Gallery Gateway." Gateway to U.S. DOE Biological and Environmental Research Image Galleries. Biological and Environmental Research Information Systems (BERIS), n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.

10. YouTube - Gattaca - 30.2 Years. Dir. Andrew Niccol. Perf. Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, Uma Thurman. Columbia Pictures, 1997. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48-hnujqpoA>.