STS 403 Quiz 2

In Chapter 4 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock discusses the concept of "artificial chromosomes" and suggests that they will develop reliable generalized methods for germline intervention. This implies that artificial chromosomes have the potential to be used in manipulating the genetic material of human germ cells, which could have significant implications for genetic engineering and modifying inherited traits. This answer aligns with Stock's viewpoint on the potential advancements in germline intervention.

If human lifespan doubled, it would have a transformative effect on our institutions and our lives. This is because the increased lifespan would require us to restructure our societal systems and institutions to accommodate the longer lifespans. It would impact various aspects of our lives, including education, healthcare, retirement, and social relationships. The longer lifespan would also provide opportunities for personal growth, career changes, and the pursuit of multiple interests over a longer period of time. Overall, the doubling of human lifespan would bring about significant changes in how we live and the institutions that support our society.

The correct answer is "is bound to drift out of the hands of traditional medical researchers and clinicians." This answer is supported by the statement in the question that reproductive technology is likely to progress and move away from the control of traditional medical researchers and clinicians. This suggests that advancements in reproductive technology may be driven by non-medical entities or individuals, leading to a shift in control and decision-making in this field.

In Ch 4 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock discusses the idea of giving people gills or wings. He states that these notions are "the stuff of science fiction." This implies that the concept of humans having gills or wings is currently only found in fictional stories and is not a reality. The author suggests that these ideas are far-fetched and not something that can be implemented in the present or near future.

In Chapter 2 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock discusses how progress in fields like artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and computer chip design will greatly influence the pace and extent of our ability to reshape human biology. This suggests that advancements in these areas will have a significant impact on our ability to alter and modify human biology, indicating that the correct answer is "will greatly influence."

In Ch 6 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock suggests that if comprehensive studies demonstrate that certain key genes are responsible for specific personality traits, it may be possible to select or modify embryos to achieve these predispositions. This implies that advancements in genetic technology could potentially allow for the manipulation of embryos to enhance desired personality traits.

According to Gregory Stock in Ch 6 of "Redesigning Humans," if one identical twin gets Alzheimer's, the other twin has a 50% chance of being affected.

In Chapter 9 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock suggests that in the future, we will manipulate the genes of our children in sophisticated ways. This implies that Stock believes that advancements in genetic manipulation will continue to progress, and we will actively engage in altering the genetic makeup of our offspring. The other options, such as abandoning or regretting genetic manipulation, or prohibiting it altogether, are not supported by Stock's statement.

As effective somatic therapies become common, the public will likely become less concerned about genetic manipulation of embryos. This is because somatic therapies offer alternative methods for treating diseases and improving health, reducing the perceived urgency and necessity for genetic manipulation. With reduced public concern, there may be less resistance or opposition to genetically manipulating embryos for therapeutic purposes.

In Chapter 2 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock discusses the distinction between a cyborg and a fyborg. He explains that the difference between the two lies in the concept of boundaries. A cyborg refers to an individual who has integrated technology into their body, blurring the line between human and machine. On the other hand, a fyborg represents a person who has external attachments or devices that enhance their abilities but can be easily detached. This distinction is significant as it highlights the varying degrees of integration and permanence of technology within the human body, ultimately emphasizing the importance of boundaries in defining these terms.

In chapter 4 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock argues that the biggest challenge we will face from germline technology is not from its failure but from its success. This means that the potential consequences and ethical dilemmas that arise from successfully altering the human germline will be more significant and complex than any challenges resulting from the technology's failure. It implies that the societal impact, moral implications, and potential inequalities that may arise from the successful implementation of germline technology will be the primary obstacles to overcome.

In Chapter 6 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock argues that advances in genetic manipulation will never genetically determine our native tongue. This suggests that while genetic manipulation may have various effects on human biology, it will not have the ability to determine the language we naturally speak. Therefore, the correct answer is "Will never genetically determine our native tongue."

In Chapter 7 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock suggests that some nations may reject genetic technologies for a while, but this will prove to be ineffective. This implies that although certain countries might initially resist the use of genetic technologies, they will eventually realize the benefits and inevitability of such advancements. The rejection will ultimately be ineffective as the advantages of genetic technologies become more apparent and widespread.

In Chapter 9 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock discusses how human manipulation of canine evolution has inadvertently served as a pilot project for our future manipulation of human genetics. This suggests that the ways in which humans have selectively bred and modified dogs over time can provide insights and lessons for the potential future manipulation of human traits and characteristics.

In Chapter 7 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock discusses the public policy on human germline engineering in Germany and France. According to the correct answer, both countries categorically ban human germline engineering. This means that both Germany and France have implemented strict regulations or laws that prohibit any form of human germline engineering. This indicates that both countries have taken a similar stance on this issue and prioritize ethical considerations and potential risks associated with manipulating the human germline.

In chapter 1 of redesigning humans, Gregory Stock states that the dismissal of technology's role in humanity's genetic future is common among biologists who use advanced technologies in their work. This implies that many biologists who are familiar with and utilize advanced technologies tend to overlook or underestimate the impact that technology can have on shaping humanity's genetic future.

The correct answer suggests that according to Gregory Stock in Ch 5 of "Redesigning Humans," the prospects for retarding or reversing key aspects of human aging are reasonably good. This implies that there is a positive outlook on the potential to slow down or even reverse the aging process based on the information presented in the chapter.

In Chapter 2 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock states that for him to consider having a working link between his brain and a supercomputer, he demands two criteria. First, the benefits of the brain-computer link must not be easily achieved through a noninvasive procedure. Second, the benefits must be worth the discomforts of undergoing brain surgery. This implies that Stock believes the potential advantages of the brain-computer link should outweigh the risks and inconveniences associated with the surgical procedure.

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In Chapter 9 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock argues that germinal choice technology will offer significant benefits. He likely supports this claim by discussing the potential advancements in genetic engineering and the ability to eliminate genetic diseases or enhance desired traits in future generations. He may also mention the potential for increased intelligence, improved health, and overall well-being through this technology.

According to Gregory Stock in Chapter 3 of Redesigning Humans, the fundamental discoveries of genetic manipulation will come from research that is deeply embedded in the mainstream. This suggests that the advancements in genetic manipulation will not be done secretly or performed in third world countries controlled by the government, but rather they will be openly conducted and integrated into mainstream scientific research and practices.

In Chapter 8 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock argues that the current debate surrounding human enhancement is not solely about medical safety, the well-being of our children, or protecting the human gene pool. According to Stock, the deeper issue at hand is the intersection of philosophy and religion. He suggests that discussions about human enhancement inevitably raise questions about the nature of humanity, our purpose, and the ethical implications of altering our genetic makeup. This indicates that the philosophical and religious dimensions of the topic are crucial in understanding the broader implications of human enhancement.

In Chapter 1 of "Redesigning Humans," Gregory Stock argues that both bioethicists and scientists have not fully considered or analyzed the broader consequences of the advancements in reproductive biology. He suggests that they have not thoroughly thought through the larger implications of these technological developments, indicating that they have not adequately considered the potential impacts and ethical considerations associated with these advancements.

The given options do not accurately represent Gregory Stock's statement in Ch 1 of Redesigning Humans. The correct answer cannot be determined from the options provided.

The correct answer is "none of the above" because according to Redesigning Humans, Gregory Stock Ch 5, it is not stated that we have a clear idea of the limits of the human lifespan, nor that we already know how much the human lifespan might be extended, nor that we have made no real progress in extending the standard of human lifespan. Therefore, none of the given options accurately reflects the information provided in the chapter.