FDA approves 23andMe DNA testing kit

             When you hear the word genetics, what's the first thing that pops into your mind?  I think of my grandmother.   For as long as I can remember, I have been told that I look like her and I can see this for myself. 

                Our facial features are not the only thing that shows our relation.  Our hands are the same size, we wear the same shoe size, we both have blond hair and blue eyes and the list goes on.  These are the parts of DNA that we can see, but what about the parts we can't?

                After previously banning DNA testing technologies, the Food and Drug Administration announced  this week that they have approved a genetic testing product created by 23andMe.  The relatively inexpensive product($99.00), provides the consumer  with their genetic information.  This includes: genetic traits, mutations, ancestral heritage and more.  Once you have taken the test, your results will be sent to you via email and scientific discoveries or news that relate to your information will also be provided. 

                A key aspect of this specific organization is to combine the internet technology with Scientific technology.   Genetic testing is not wrong, in fact I have seen firsthand how it can be helpful to those struggling with health issues.  But my question is this; if the internet already has an abundance of our information, should we also give it our genetic information. 

                 Up until recently, our genetic information has been something relatively hard to access and when it was accessed its accessibility to others was limited.  We need to be careful with whom we share this  information and how we use it.  If the internet were to leave control of the private sector and be owned by governments, should the government be able to look at our genetic information and decide who is genetically better than others?   Before we even had genetic testing the results of government prejudices became devastating(ex: Nazi Germany ). 

                The information we gain from this testing can be used to positively treat deficiencies and help peoples bodies function correctly.    But people can also use the information to  choose whether or not they will have children, or if they should genetically change their children.   

                No matter what the results of this advancement imply for our society, we need to remember who is in control.  The genetic deficiencies and mutations are a result of sin.  God did not intend for our incredible DNA system to make mistakes.  God knows our physical genetics but  he also sees our spiritual life.  He cares about  how we use the information He has given us.  Let's use it wisely for His glory, not for our own design.   

Resources: BBC News, 23andMe  

Five years - The Solar Dynamics Observatory

               What were you doing five years ago on February 11th? It's okay if you don't remember, because  neither do I .  On the other hand, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) remembers exactly what happened; the Solar Dynamics Observatory was launched. 

Photo courtesy of SDO 

                  This incredible instrument captures images of the sun almost every second.  The information that is provided allows scientist to better understand  the Sun's eruptions ,magnetic fields, and its relation to the Earth's weather.  Celebrating the 5th anniversary of the launch NASA has created two videos which show some of the best images taken over the last five years.  I have posted one of those videos below.  I encourage you to watch it before you continue.

               

                  After watching this video I was in awe.  In awe of a Creator who spoke the sun into existence and put the laws in place that keep our universe together.  In Genesis 1:14-19 we read,   

 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.  And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.  And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,  to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.   And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. (ESV)

                Do you ever find yourself looking at technology in a negative light?  When you do remember this; God has allowed technological advances like the Solar Dynamics Observatory  to point to his glory and majesty.  

                You can appreciate the technology that God allows, but don't let it pull you away from Him.  Allow it to remind you that we have an incredible Creator and He is in control of everything.   Most importantly  remember  that  He has created something far superior to technology and he loves that creation very much.  Just look in the box below. 

Resources:  National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA), SciTechDaily, The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Bible-ESV 

   

The 3 Parent Child

Photo courtesy of citypictures.org 

                Since the dawn of time a child has been formed from the DNA of one father and one mother.  Did you ever think that one day DNA from three people would be present in a child?  On Tuesday the House of Commons in the United Kingdom voted in favor of mitochondria donation. 

                Like me you might be wondering what is mitochondria, and why would it be donated?   The mitochondria are the parts of a cell that regulate the growth and energy of a cell.  They are not a part of the nucleus(to see a full description click here).  If the mitochondria of a woman's egg cells are defective, their children are more likely to have life challenging or threatening diseases.  

                Mitochondria donation looks at the possibility of taking the nucleus out of an egg with bad mitochondria and placing it in the egg from a woman with good mitochondria.  The DNA of the natural parents will remain untouched in the nucleus(which controls personality, gender, hair color etc.) and the healthy mitochondria of the donor will surround it.  The result is a child with DNA from three people.  This change would be permanent, meaning that the child's children will all have the healthy mitochondria DNA.

Photo courtesy of Center for Genetics and Society 

                There are two ways this swap can take place.  First, with an unfertilized egg.  Second, with a fertilized embryo.  In the second situation both the donor and mother's eggs must be fertilized.  That means that the nucleus of the donor must be removed and discarded.  There goes another life.  It seems ironic that in order to save one life, you would kill another.  It is one thing when a person gives their life for another; it is all together different when a person's life is "volunteered" for death.

                What does this mean for the future?  If we have the scientific know-how and  technology to swap a nucleus, why not change the nucleus.  As a Christian what should our biblical response be?  Scientific and technological advances are a part of the world we live in, but how will we use them?  Are we using them to destroy or save a life?  When faced with challenging situations whose decision does it become, the governments , the doctors, or the individuals?  Ultimately where will it lead, where does it lead you? 

Resources: The Washington Post, NewScientist,  Cable News Network (CNN),  Center for Genetics and Society 

General Public vs. Some Scientists

Are you uneducated? According to a recent study by Pew Research Center  the difference between what scientists believe concerning scientific issues and what the general public believes, is  vastly separated(to see a shorter version of the study click here).   These scientists contribute the gap to our lack of understanding of what is being discussed.   Some scientist are faulting the education system for not teaching more science and math.   As the public, should we believe what these scientist are saying?           

              

Butter is Better  

     

 Let's look at history.  At one point scientists believed that the world was flat. Along came Galileo and he challenged that thought.  Was he uneducated?  Did he lack understanding?  Not at all.  He studied himself to have a better understanding and in the end had a better understanding than the majority that believed he was wrong.  Doctors used to think that bleeding people was the best way to "get the sickness out" of a person.  Now, we know that this is not helpful.   In recent years more scientists are realizing that margarine is not as good for you as they initially thought.  

  My point is this.  Scientists are learning too.  Do not let them tell you that all of their thoughts and theories are better than what you believe.  Just because one thing they say is true, does not imply that it is all true.  As Christians we need be responsible and test what we are hearing against Scripture and physical evidence.  

  Here's a thought.  How would these scientist respond to this hypothetical scenario. ... 

A recent poll showed that 95% of Christian theologians believe the Bible is true and historically accurate.  But only 56% percent of the general public agree with them.  Therefore, theologians have come to the conclusion that people are uneducated in the Bible and the education system needs to spend more time teaching the Bible alongside the historical facts that point to its accuracy

..... I have a feeling that this wouldn't go over very well. In reality how much hard, factual evidence( not based on their own theories) do these scientist have?  You have the right to know what else is being discovered.  To start your education excursion click here.

              

Are You Trusting a Chip?

             New Year's resolutions.  They seem to haunt you don't they?  What are your goals for the New Year?  How will this year be different from the last?  When it comes to New Year's resolutions, weight loss and physical fitness are within the top 10 New Year's resolutions made.  But did it ever occur to you that you would not have to exercise, diet,  or have bow/stomach reduction surgery in order to lose weight?

  

       This year the U.S. Food and Drug administration recently approved the Maestro Rechargeable System  for use in America.  Once in your body, this remote controlled  electronic implant blocks the communication line between your brain and stomach.  Voilà, you no longer feel hungry!  At first this might sound like a good idea, but what are the implications? 

            1.  You lose personal motivation to do something about the condition of your life.

            2.  You are allowing technological advancements to control a part of your life

            3.   You are putting your trust and faith in a computer chip, instead of God 

       After accepting this kind of computer chip in your body, where does it stop?  Why not have a chip that reminds you of all you appointments?  What about one that tells you what decisions you should make?  If it is technologically possible to block signals in your body with a remote controlled chip, why not send message to your body the same way.  

    In 2002 Focus on the Family released an Adventures in Odyssey series called "Battle Lines" .   

You could say they were ahead of their time.  In this series you hear of how a broadcasting company uses radio signals to control what people are thinking and buying.  The product they create in order to achieve this is marketed as something good that will help people with their memory and schooling. "Battle Lines" is entertaining yet thought provoking. 

      In Proverbs 3:5-6 we read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths"(ESV).  Putting our trust in anything but God and trusting in our own judgments, only leads to disappointment and destruction. Not all technological advancements are bad, but how are you using them?  When life struggles come, are you trusting God or a computer chip?   

Artificial Intelligence Takeover?

         This week it was reported that top scientists signed a letter warning us of the dangers of artificial intelligence. According to LiveScience staff writer Tanya Lewis, one such scientist was Stephen Hawking. Hawking and the other scientists are concerned that artificial intelligence could be detrimental to the existence of the human race.

         My question is why do these people care about the future existence of humans? Why should secular societies care? By signing the letter of warning these scientists are voicing that they care about what happens to the next generation. They do not want us to move from using human intelligence to artificial intelligence. But does this concern coincide with their worldview?

        If these scientist believe that we evolved from less intelligent beings into the beings we are today, why should they be against progress that could evolve into something better. Why do they want to stop the evolutionary process that they may believe in. In evolutionary logic, why should one care if humans die out and something “better” shows up.  In secular societies that legalize abortion, death with dignity, and euthanasia, why would it matter that human existence could be threatened by artificial intelligence when it is already being threatened by human actions itself.

         A positive aspect of artificial intelligence is that it points to the realization that intelligence can only come from intelligence. Artificial intelligence can not exist on its own; humans need to create it. This is a completely logically and reasonable conclusion, yet there are many who reject the idea that an intelligent creator, God, created intelligent human beings. Unlike God, who is perfect, humans need to approach creating artificial intelligence with caution. I am reminded of the Pixar film The Incredibles. Syndrome created his own villainous robot that learns from the people it interacts with. This eventually leads to the robot defeating Syndrome, his creator. If we are not using the gifts God has given us in a way that is responsible and honoring to Him, it can lead to our own demise.