Genetic technology in humans and agriculture

The two primary uses of genetic technology are used in research for humans and agriculture.

Humans
Genetic technology in humans can be used to cure genetic diseases. However, though the cure will only affect that particular child, the gene has enter the actual human gene pool population by passing onto the future generation. The creation of Designer Babies also relates to genetic engineering in humans. By basing off the Human Genome Project which found all DNA sequences in the human genome, scientists are able to select the certain sequences that matches with the traits that the  parents desire. Although this seems as if humans can become a super-species with these technological advances, there has been many questions arising of whether such processes should be allowed in humans especially while theoretically sound, it is not mistake-free.

Agriculture
Humans have genetically engineered crops for many different reasons. To create more food, crops have been manipulated so that there will be higher and more effective yields. Some crops such as corn have been modified so that it has insect and herbicide resistance. Since most crops are grown for export, scientists have also modified crops for delayed ripening, that way it can be transported for longer distances without rotting.

Case Study: Papaya saved (video)

An example of making fruit insect resistant is the Hawaiian papaya story. The intervention of technology to combat the virus that crashed the papaya crop saved the farmers and papaya industry. However a glaring omission is: what is the guideline to call the resulting papaya safe?

Economics is driving current decision process

Even though genetic technological break-through may all seem like wonderful applications from economic perspectives, the technology is quite new and other environmental and health risks has not been discovered yet. Cross-species gene mix never possible before is happening. Evolution is being abruptly fast-forwarded without knowledge of long term consequence.

Sources:
http://www.infoplease.com/cig/biology/dna-technology-applications.html
http://www.ucsusa.org/our-work/food-agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic-engineering-agriculture#.VpHpXko76rU
https://www.probe.org/human-genetic-engineering/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G-yUuiqIZ0

Pictures:
http://www.futurehumanevolution.com/wp-content/themes/twentyeleven/images/headers/future-human-evolution-human-genetic-engineering-microbiology-fundamentals.jpg
http://www.scienceclarified.com/photos/genetic-engineering-2824.jpg