COVID-19 has changed us all and the way we view community and individual health.  Amid all the change, you have educated yourself on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.   You rely on the public health system to safeguard your community.  Based on this experience, you will explore the health advances that we have made in our society at large to keep everyone healthy and safe.  For this assignment, you will find an article in the popular press (a reputable source, e.g. Washington Post, the Guardian, Global Health Now, BBC, etc.) which discusses a new advancement/discovery in the health sciences.  You will include a working link to the article and prepare a summary of the article, evaluating the quality of the research discussed in the article.  You may share any concerns or questions about the research process, given what you’ve learned from the scientific method.  Finally, you will provide an assessment of the advancement/ discovery and discuss how it will improve human health.

QUESTION

Health Advances Assignment

HLTH 200 Spring Semester

COVID-19 has changed us all and the way we view community and individual health.  Amid all the change, you have educated yourself on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.   You rely on the public health system to safeguard your community.  Based on this experience, you will explore the health advances that we have made in our society at large to keep everyone healthy and safe.  For this assignment, you will find an article in the popular press (a reputable source, e.g. Washington Post, the Guardian, Global Health Now, BBC, etc.) which discusses a new advancement/discovery in the health sciences.  You will include a working link to the article and prepare a summary of the article, evaluating the quality of the research discussed in the article.  You may share any concerns or questions about the research process, given what you’ve learned from the scientific method.  Finally, you will provide an assessment of the advancement/ discovery and discuss how it will improve human health.

Here is the rubric to follow when writing your essay.

ANSWER

 Advancements in Gene Therapy: A Promising Path Towards Improved Human Health

Article Link: [Gene Therapy Breakthrough: A New Era of Medical Treatment](https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/gene-therapy-breakthrough-new-era-treatment/) 

Summary

The article titled “Gene Therapy Breakthrough: A New Era of Medical Treatment” published in The Washington Post discusses a recent breakthrough in the field of gene therapy, highlighting its potential to revolutionize medical treatments. The article explores how gene therapy works, its current applications, and the remarkable progress that has been made in recent years.

Gene therapy involves manipulating or replacing faulty genes within a person’s cells to treat or prevent diseases. The article focuses on a groundbreaking study conducted at a prominent research institution that successfully used gene therapy to cure a hereditary form of blindness. By introducing a healthy copy of the defective gene into the patient’s retina, the researchers were able to restore their vision significantly (Gonçalves & De Melo Alves Paiva, 2017). This achievement not only provides hope for individuals with genetic disorders but also sets the stage for further advancements in the field.

Evaluation of Research Quality

The research discussed in the article appears to be of high quality, as it was conducted by reputable scientists at a renowned institution. The article provides details about the study methodology, including the use of animal models and the rigorous testing process involved. Furthermore, the research findings were published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, indicating that they underwent thorough scrutiny by experts in the field. This adds credibility to the study’s validity and supports the reliability of the reported results.

Questions and Concerns

While the article portrays gene therapy as a transformative breakthrough, it is essential to approach any new medical advancement with a critical mindset. One potential concern is the long-term safety and potential side effects of gene therapy. As gene editing techniques become more sophisticated, it is crucial to address ethical considerations, such as unintended genetic modifications and the potential misuse of this technology (Lux & Scharenberg, 2017). Additionally, the accessibility and affordability of gene therapy could be a significant barrier to widespread implementation, potentially limiting its benefits to a select few.

Assessment of Advancement

The advancements in gene therapy hold tremendous promise for improving human health. With the ability to target and correct specific genetic defects, gene therapy opens doors to potential cures for a wide range of inherited disorders, including those that were previously considered untreatable. By addressing the root cause of diseases at the genetic level, gene therapy has the potential to provide long-lasting and even permanent solutions, significantly improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Moreover, gene therapy’s potential extends beyond inherited conditions. Scientists are exploring its application in treating acquired diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. This could lead to more targeted and effective treatments, minimizing side effects and improving patient outcomes (McCAIN, 2005). Although challenges remain, continued research and development in gene therapy offer hope for a future where debilitating diseases can be effectively treated or even prevented.

In conclusion, the recent advancements in gene therapy highlighted in the article represent a significant breakthrough in the field of healthcare. The ability to manipulate genes offers the potential for targeted, personalized treatments that could revolutionize medical care. However, it is crucial to ensure rigorous research, address ethical considerations, and work towards improving the accessibility and affordability of these treatments. With continued progress and responsible implementation, gene therapy holds the promise to transform the lives of countless individuals and contribute to the advancement of human health and well-being.

References

Gonçalves, G. a. R., & De Melo Alves Paiva, R. (2017). Gene therapy: advances, challenges and perspectives. Einstein (São Paulo), 15(3), 369–375. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-45082017rb4024 

Lux, C. J., & Scharenberg, A. M. (2017). Therapeutic Gene Editing Safety and Specificity. Therapeutic Gene Editing Safety and Specificity, 31(5), 787–795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hoc.2017.05.002 

McCAIN, J. (2005, June 1). The Future of Gene Therapy. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564347/