Introduction
The modern world constantly changes, and various discoveries help to improve life. For instance, the field of biotechnology offers many innovations, and one of the most influential ones is cloning. The concept of cloning can be described as different techniques used to create copies of new individuals, tissues, and entire organs (Phelan, 2020). Cloning is a significant discovery in biology that can affect numerous people alongside the environment.
Discussion
Cloning is not necessarily a recent invention, but research in the domain is ongoing and continuously presents more findings. The idea of cloning dates back to 1938 and the proposal of Hans Spemann to replace the nucleus from an unfertilized egg with one from another individual’s cell (Phelan, 2020). However, the people behind the initial innovation were Ian Wilmut and his colleagues, who in 1997 cloned a sheep named Dolly, which was achieved after 272 attempts (Phelan, 2020). Although scientists have faced many failures, the final result has made cloning possible and established a basis for future accomplishments.
Consequently, further research in cloning has indicated potential benefits for various aspects of life. For instance, cloning can influence agriculture by allowing farmers to create animals with desirable traits, like cows delivering more milk (Phelan, 2020). Moreover, innovation can affect health by generating such tissues as skin and creating organs for those who need transplantation (Phelan, 2020). In addition, the invention can modify wildlife by bringing extinct species back to life and reviving endangered animals (Agaba, 2022). For example, in 2020, scientists from the US cloned a black-footed ferret from the frozen cells of a creature that died more than thirty years ago (Agaba, 2022). Nonetheless, cloning can lead to certain negative outcomes for society and impact one’s cultural or spiritual beliefs. In particular, the discovery causes legal and philosophical issues regarding cloning to produce children, with the government having trouble developing necessary regulations (Phelan, 2020). Therefore, cloning offers considerable advantages but is also associated with substantial concerns.
Conclusion
To summarize, cloning is a discovery that can help save and improve lives and restore the environment. By creating copies of distinct species and organs, cloning can enhance agriculture, transplantation, and wildlife. However, the innovation raises philosophical and legal debates concerning how making clones of individuals may influence society. Overall, cloning may significantly benefit life on Earth with sufficient regulation in place and can impact me personally by changing the world around me.
References
Agaba, J. (2022). New biotechnologies can help restore extinct species, say conservation scientists. Alliance for Science.
Phelan, J. (2020). What is life? A guide to biology with physiology (5th ed.). Macmillan Higher Education.