8:15- 8:45 AM
Registration / Refreshments
8:45- 9:00 AM
Welcome/Opening Remarks:
Prof. Elizabeth Simmons9:00 - 10:00 AM
Research Presentations:
Engineering:
Prof. Julie Chen: Composite MaterialsBiology:
Prof. Christine Li: "What the Worm
Can Tell Us about Alzheimer's Disease."Physics:
Prof. Rama Bansil: Physics, Chemistry and Biology of GelsMathematics: Prof. Diane Meuser: Number Theory -Fermat's Last Theorem
10:00 - 12:00 AM
Lab Visits / Poster Session
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch (to be provided)
1:00-2:00 PM
Panel Discussion: Career Experiences
Moderator:
Prof. Georgia Weinstein, ChemistryPanel:
- Prof. Mary Erskine, Biology
- Dr. Elizabeth Moore, Astronomy
- Prof. So-Young Pi, Physics
- Prof. Emma Previato, Mathematics
- Prof. Mari Ostendorf, Engineering
- Prof. Patricia Samuel, Chemistry
2:00- 3:00 PM
"Hot" Topic Group Discussion Presentation:
Prof. Cassandra Smith:
Societal Issues Raised by Genetic Testing
3:00 P.M.
Closing Remarks
Academy of Notre Dame, Tewksbury
Andover High School
Beverly High School
Boston University Academy
Cambridge School of Weston
Concord - Carlisle Regional High School
Dover - Sherborn Regional High School
English High School
Everett High School
Fontbonne Academy
Groton School
Hamilton - Wenahm High School
Lexington High School
Lincoln -Sudbury Regional High School
Lowell High School
Lynn English High School
Mansfield High School
Milton High School
Needham High School
Newton South High School
North Quincy High School
Notre Dame Academy, Tyngsboro
Peabody Veterans Memorial High School
St. Clare's High School
Stoneham High School
Swampscott High School
Ursuline Academy
Walnut Hill School
Wellesley High School
Assume that a scientist has (with your permission) taken a DNA sample from you and "sequenced" it, that is, made a list of some of your genes. This DNA sequence can give information on genetic defects or diseases you might have.
1.) What if you want to buy life insurance or medical insurance. Should the insurance company be allowed to look at your DNA sequence to see whether you have a predisposition to a serious disease like Huntington's disease?
2.) Suppose you are applying for a job. Many employers help pay health insurance for their employees; all want their employees to be healthy and productive. Should an employer have the right to look your DNA sequence to see whether you are likely to get a disease like M.S. or Lou Gehrig's disease? to see whether you're predisposed to alcoholism?
3.) Should children be allowed to see their parents' DNA sequences? What about a child who has been adopted?
4.) Should the government keep people's DNA sequences on file to help in identifying criminals or crime victims (much as blood typing and fingerprints are now used)?
With in vitro fertilization the egg is fertilized in a dish and then implanted into the mother. However, as is identical twins, the embryo can be separated into 2 cells. One cell can be implanted, while one cell can be frozen for future use or tested for genetic diseases.
1.) Who owns the rights to the embryos? Should they treated as people? Is it "right" to use the other cell (which some people think of as a being) for genetic testing? Right now, the law treats these fertilized eggs as "property."
2.) If the embryo is frozen, then conceivably the other embryo that is implanted could "implant" herself at a later time. That would mean that you could have "yourself" as a daughter. Is that right?
3.) Should a couple be allowed to have identical twins several years apart?
4.) For embryos that are "defective," doctors are trying to insert the correct copy of the gene into one of the cells. Is this ethical? Should we be allowed to "create" a "better" child?
5.) When should a couple be allowed to abort a child? A recent survey has shown that most couples would choose to abort a child who is going to be obese. Where does society draw the line over when someone can abort? or should there be a line?
