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  • Essay / A Look at Bioinformatics - 672

    Bioinformatics is the use of biology, mathematics, and computer science to answer biological questions. Through the use of biological databases, researchers are able to manage genetic information (Hodgman, French, & Westhead, 2010). Part of bioinformatics is the lack of ethics implemented in their studies. Bioethics, defined as the potential influence of life sciences in our society, using ethics, philosophy and societal observations (Bioethics, nd). Relevant ethical issues, as well as the approach to education and teaching, constitute the bioethical concerns related to bioinformatics. Ethics in the curriculum of bioinformatics programs is minimal. There could be more emphasis on legal and social issues in bioinformatics research and the exploration of upcoming technologies. Many programs do not believe in topics such as "reproductive cloning, genetically modified foods, gene therapy and clinical trials, human stem cell experimentation, experimentation on aborted embryos or fetal tissue, patenting of molecules, transgenic technologies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and assisted reproduction. " because it is not a high priority concern in the field of bioinformatics compared to other biological fields. Therefore, the blame could be placed on the professors and their curriculum for cause on this difficult question. The figure below is a randomized study of undergraduate and graduate programs in bioinformatics. The study tested courses such as “ethics seminars, short courses, required courses or. related electives” (Taneri, 2011) Data indicated that the majority of institutions did not have (bio)ethics courses in their curriculum. Another cause of the ethical problems facing bioinformatics is the government. and bioinfo publications...... middle of article ...... cal issues related to bioinformatics Therefore, awareness can, in the long run, resolve the issues. to bioinformatics programs in the United States and Europe is also a concern. Recently, Yale University required its students to take a seminar on research ethics and Stanford University introduced medical information science, which focuses on ethical, legal and social implications . If more top universities integrate bio (ethics) into their curriculum, it could cause a domino effect with other institutions. Also, other things that might be helpful in solving this problem would be for students to express their opinions. Student voice can influence a new perspective on learning and teaching. These significant advances will ultimately help advance progress in the field and resolve the issue of ethical courses in bioinformatics...