Sunday, March 21, 2010
Nice Song Alert
This song got my attention immediately! It's really good! ^^ Ken an update for you :p
Saturday, March 13, 2010
shutter island
Shutter island is a fantastic movie! if I am not mistaken, it was out in Singapore about half a year ago? I still remember wanting to watch this particular movie with kenny before i head back to Ireland! gosh i really miss those movie days~
those miss you nights~ are the longest~
those miss you nights~ are the longest~
Sunday, March 7, 2010
MY FIRST.....
I’m taken aback as to why would anyone post stuff like MY FIRST prada, Gucci and so on pictures onto facebook. Isn’t it something that can be purchased through saving and willingness to spend? Well I suppose it’s a form of memory? Shrugs. Just think that it’s really peculiar..
Maybe we should all start something similar too. like my first time i did.... The person i would be most interested in is co co la whore! :p hmmmm, maybe it can be incorporated into a drinking game ^^ LOL, this would be so fun no? well im sure it beats uploading pictures of branded bag and shoes.
Maybe we should all start something similar too. like my first time i did.... The person i would be most interested in is co co la whore! :p hmmmm, maybe it can be incorporated into a drinking game ^^ LOL, this would be so fun no? well im sure it beats uploading pictures of branded bag and shoes.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Ethics? Bullshit?
2 days ago, I attended a stem cell talk given by a professor from Stanton University. The talk comprised of the potential of stem cell research and his views about stem cell research. Major issues that kept me thinking were:
Define life:
We all know what life means, but can we really give a definition on what life actually is?
1) Life commences when there is fusion of the gametes.
2) Life begins when the embryo has implanted into the mothers uterus lining. Only when this bond between the foetus and mother is fostered, life starts.
3) Life is only considered life when consciousness is present. For example, embryo is nothing but just a ball of cells until the central nervous is formed. (shrugs… Cant really buy that definition can you?)
Why ask about the definition of life? This is important as it is essential in the setting of policies and framework for stem cell research. The definition that is acknowledged by majority of people would to the highest degree influence the extent of stem cell research. It forms a fence which prevents the transformation of an ethical research to one that would not be accepted by the general population. There are times when the insatiable urge to acquire knowledge and breakthrough would blur the lines of moral principles, hence such policies are totally essential to guarantee that results from research are obtained through ethical means.
Ethical Issues:
As expected, using of embryos unveils a whole bunch of ethical issues. It’s a term that is commonly used, however, can anyone really define ethics?
In medicine, ethics comprises of:
1) Respect of Autonomy
2) Justice
3) Beneficence
4) Non- Maleficence
When it comes to research, can ethics be easily and clearly define?
1) Using of animal research. Is it ethical? I’m sure that animal lovers would definitely conflict against the use of animals in research. However, many scientific breakthroughs are brought about by animal models. Without the use of animal models in the past, there would definitely be a delay in medical science advancement. Animal models are very effective in educating people too.
My opinion would be that use animal models when there are no ideal substitutes. Should there be an ideal substitute, animals should not be used.
2) Is it ethical to recruit students into research? Well, in some countries, its forbidden as students are considered to be in the vulnerable group. Vulnerable group would comprise of people such as the disabled and mentally challenged. Well I suppose it should be a case to case basis as I do not foresee any potential peril should the research has benefits for the participants.
After this talk, I realised that there is an easy way to define ethics. It seems like something is ethical as long as majority of the people consent to it. Ie: more than 50% of the population. In this world, as long as you are the minority, your say would decrease drastically. Amazingly, this coincides with discrimination. Do we see the majority being discriminated?
As for stem cell research, lots of thoughts have to be put into the creation of policies and guidelines. It’s true that it has heaps of benefits; these benefits should not cloud our mind leading to the jeopardy of our fundamental ethical principles. Policies should be made to ensure research are within acceptable parameter, however, it should not impede or limit the progress and potential of stem cell research. I know it’s a fine balance and its easier said than done. Well that’s the job of policy makers I suppose, they are paid to do their job so they have to do it well ^^ In a nut shell, should there be a better alternative that does not require the use of embryos, a substitution should be made.
Define life:
We all know what life means, but can we really give a definition on what life actually is?
1) Life commences when there is fusion of the gametes.
2) Life begins when the embryo has implanted into the mothers uterus lining. Only when this bond between the foetus and mother is fostered, life starts.
3) Life is only considered life when consciousness is present. For example, embryo is nothing but just a ball of cells until the central nervous is formed. (shrugs… Cant really buy that definition can you?)
Why ask about the definition of life? This is important as it is essential in the setting of policies and framework for stem cell research. The definition that is acknowledged by majority of people would to the highest degree influence the extent of stem cell research. It forms a fence which prevents the transformation of an ethical research to one that would not be accepted by the general population. There are times when the insatiable urge to acquire knowledge and breakthrough would blur the lines of moral principles, hence such policies are totally essential to guarantee that results from research are obtained through ethical means.
Ethical Issues:
As expected, using of embryos unveils a whole bunch of ethical issues. It’s a term that is commonly used, however, can anyone really define ethics?
In medicine, ethics comprises of:
1) Respect of Autonomy
2) Justice
3) Beneficence
4) Non- Maleficence
When it comes to research, can ethics be easily and clearly define?
1) Using of animal research. Is it ethical? I’m sure that animal lovers would definitely conflict against the use of animals in research. However, many scientific breakthroughs are brought about by animal models. Without the use of animal models in the past, there would definitely be a delay in medical science advancement. Animal models are very effective in educating people too.
My opinion would be that use animal models when there are no ideal substitutes. Should there be an ideal substitute, animals should not be used.
2) Is it ethical to recruit students into research? Well, in some countries, its forbidden as students are considered to be in the vulnerable group. Vulnerable group would comprise of people such as the disabled and mentally challenged. Well I suppose it should be a case to case basis as I do not foresee any potential peril should the research has benefits for the participants.
After this talk, I realised that there is an easy way to define ethics. It seems like something is ethical as long as majority of the people consent to it. Ie: more than 50% of the population. In this world, as long as you are the minority, your say would decrease drastically. Amazingly, this coincides with discrimination. Do we see the majority being discriminated?
As for stem cell research, lots of thoughts have to be put into the creation of policies and guidelines. It’s true that it has heaps of benefits; these benefits should not cloud our mind leading to the jeopardy of our fundamental ethical principles. Policies should be made to ensure research are within acceptable parameter, however, it should not impede or limit the progress and potential of stem cell research. I know it’s a fine balance and its easier said than done. Well that’s the job of policy makers I suppose, they are paid to do their job so they have to do it well ^^ In a nut shell, should there be a better alternative that does not require the use of embryos, a substitution should be made.
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