La rivoluzione genetica, lectio di Mauro Giacca
Just about 50 years have passed since the discovery of DNA as a molecule in which hereditary information resides; and yet medicine, language, economy, and society are already widely permeated by the influence of Genetics. The uncovering that the structure of genes virtually preserves itself in all the species living on the planet, as well as the genetic code which regulates their use, is equally universal it is fascinating and surprising. Even more astonishing is the possibility of using genetic information for applications tent to improve Medicine, Agriculture and energy production.
In today medical field, Genetics allows the prediction of the status of the disease and the selection of individualized treatments. Medical research makes avail of it and generates genetically modified animals, whose use as models of illness is priceless. In Agriculture, it is possible to create genetically modified plants resistant to parasites or able to withstand adverse weather conditions. With genetic biotechnologies, it is equally and likely possible to use waste products or organisms that grow in large quantities, such as algae, as a source of renewable and clean energy. Alternatively, drugs to be used for human therapy: today more than 350 types can be found on pharmacies' shelves already, from insulin (the first) to the latest monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of tumors. Up to even more extreme applications, such as the creation of humanized animals to obtain organs similar to human's, excellent for kidney liver or lung transplants. Also, because of genetic manipulations, it is possible to generate modified viruses to be used as spacecraft to transport the genes. That is how some hereditary diseases get treated, such as immune system defects or congenital blindness. With great promises for other illnesses that are now incurable but very widespread as for Alzheimer's diseases or heart attack.
Not without many ethical, moral and philosophical questions of no easy solutions. How far is it right to engineer nature? Where to put the thin limit between the lawful and the illicit? How to prevent the harmful or fraudulent use of technologies? Moreover, finally, where to deposit and use any private genetic information? These questions have all multifaceted and challenging interpretations; there is just one certainty: that their answer cannot be separated from correct, appropriate and measured information.
The "Scintille - The Four Revolutions" series dedicated to the topic of technological innovation and realized thanks to the collaboration with Professor Juan Carlos De Martin of the Politecnico di Torino, proposes a series of lectures led by a speaker who tells about a "spark" or a "revolution." An idea, or a project or an invention that has changed something in our way of living. Four intertwined revolutions that will influence, in ways that are perhaps not yet fully understood, not only our way of living and producing, but even our own body. Each meeting will highlight both the expected benefits for humanity and the risks associated with these technologies to provide an overview of the tremendous technological changes of our time and the impact they will have on society.
Italian-speaking meeting
Capacity: 250 seats
All events are free, with mandatory reservation.
For further information: ogrpublicprogram@fondazioneartecrt.it
In today medical field, Genetics allows the prediction of the status of the disease and the selection of individualized treatments. Medical research makes avail of it and generates genetically modified animals, whose use as models of illness is priceless. In Agriculture, it is possible to create genetically modified plants resistant to parasites or able to withstand adverse weather conditions. With genetic biotechnologies, it is equally and likely possible to use waste products or organisms that grow in large quantities, such as algae, as a source of renewable and clean energy. Alternatively, drugs to be used for human therapy: today more than 350 types can be found on pharmacies' shelves already, from insulin (the first) to the latest monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of tumors. Up to even more extreme applications, such as the creation of humanized animals to obtain organs similar to human's, excellent for kidney liver or lung transplants. Also, because of genetic manipulations, it is possible to generate modified viruses to be used as spacecraft to transport the genes. That is how some hereditary diseases get treated, such as immune system defects or congenital blindness. With great promises for other illnesses that are now incurable but very widespread as for Alzheimer's diseases or heart attack.
Not without many ethical, moral and philosophical questions of no easy solutions. How far is it right to engineer nature? Where to put the thin limit between the lawful and the illicit? How to prevent the harmful or fraudulent use of technologies? Moreover, finally, where to deposit and use any private genetic information? These questions have all multifaceted and challenging interpretations; there is just one certainty: that their answer cannot be separated from correct, appropriate and measured information.
The "Scintille - The Four Revolutions" series dedicated to the topic of technological innovation and realized thanks to the collaboration with Professor Juan Carlos De Martin of the Politecnico di Torino, proposes a series of lectures led by a speaker who tells about a "spark" or a "revolution." An idea, or a project or an invention that has changed something in our way of living. Four intertwined revolutions that will influence, in ways that are perhaps not yet fully understood, not only our way of living and producing, but even our own body. Each meeting will highlight both the expected benefits for humanity and the risks associated with these technologies to provide an overview of the tremendous technological changes of our time and the impact they will have on society.
Italian-speaking meeting
Capacity: 250 seats
All events are free, with mandatory reservation.
For further information: ogrpublicprogram@fondazioneartecrt.it