I – BIOETHICS:

1. What is the Nuremberg code?

 It’s a historical document, the AMOUNT of World War 2, in the mid-
20th century

 Nuremberg Code (1947): Resulted from Nazi medical experiments,

emphasized voluntary consent and minimizing harm.

 Declaration of Helsinki (1964): Ethical principles for medical

research involving human subjects, with updates over time.

 Belmont Report (1979): Core principles regarding research,

stemming from abuses such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study - respect
for persons, beneficence, justice - shaping research ethics.

 Human Genome Project (1990s): Unlocked genetic information,

triggering debates on privacy, genetic testing, and gene therapy.

 Cloning and Stem Cells: Dolly the sheep (1996) raised ethical
questions on cloning; stem cells posed moral and scientific concerns.

2. What is the TROLLEY problem?

 Is a philosophical thought experiment that explores the ethical

implications of decision-making in life-and-death situations. It
presents a scenario where a person must choose between 2 morally
challenging options, often involving the sacrifice of 1 life to save
multiple others.
 = This thought experiment presents a situation where a runaway
trolley is headed towards five people tied up on a track

 (There is someone standing on the adjacent but connected track. You

are standing next to a lever that can divert the trolley away from the
five tied up people but causing the trolley to kill the one person as a
result)

3. What are some of the key ETHICAL ISSUES or CONCERNS with the most
sort of current high tech?

 For ethical issues:

 Genetic Engineering
 Human Cloning
 Stem Cell Research
 Gene Editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9
 Animal Testing
 Biopiracy and Patents
 Privacy and Genetic Information
 Environmental Impact
 Access to Healthcare
 Dual-Use Dilemma

 For ethical concerns:

 In Genetic Engineering:
+) Gene Manipulation of Life
+) Unintended Consequences
+) Designer Babies
+) Long-Term Effects

 Balancing Advancements and Ethical Boundaries

4. What are some of the key ethical issues associated with that? Some of the
problems that come up when people discuss whether or not we should do
this or not?

 Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs), Autonomy

with potential risks, and informed consent, embryo
disposition, and equitable access to technologies.

 Navigating the ethical landscape of reproductive

technologies necessitates thoughtful reflection on individual
rights, societal values, and the potential impact on future
generations.

 We should: Engaging in open dialogue and critical thinking

5. What are the differences between an ethical question, a scientific question

and a legal question?

 Ethical question:
 often involve the words “ought” or “should,”
implying a difficult decision
 several alternate solutions
 contain conflicting moral choices and dilemmas,
underlying values
 have no right or wrong answer

ex:
Should individuals who donate a kidney choose who their organ should go to?

Should people select the sex of their child in advance?

 Scientific question:
 explored through scientific inquiry and
observation, they rely on empirical and
measurable evidence
ex:
How does a kidney function inside the body?
What type of diet allows for the best athletic performance?

 Legal question:

 ask what the law says about a particular issue.

ex:
Is it legal to sell human kidneys in the United States?
Is killing someone always illegal?
Are same-sex marriages constitutional?

II - THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD:

1. What is informed Consent on to the scientific method?

 Protect the autonomy of participants to make educated

decisions about their involvement in research
  Foster trust between researchers and participants =>
individuals aren’t coerced or misled
 Maintain ethical standards in scientific research and
upholding the integrity of the scientific method

2. What are the steps in the scientific method?

a, Choose a question
b, Identify (Forming) a hypothesis
c, Make testable predictions (in the hypothesis)
d, Design an experiment
e, Collect data
f, Determine results and assess their validity = Drawing Conclutions

 Question => Background => Hypothesis => Experiment => Analysis =>
Conclusion

3. What is empiricism when dealing with the scientific method?

 Guide researchers to rely on measurable and observable evidence =>

Conclusions are based on concrete data, allow for reproducibility and
verification

4. What is the idea of empiricism? ( = So, collecting empirical data, What is

empiricism)

 the notion that enquiry is conducted through observation and

knowledge verified through evidence
 the Theory that knowledge comes primarily from Sensory experience

 Variables, hypotheses and that sort of thing understand the elements of the
Flower Experiment
5. And also in that context, What is a NULL hypothesis (H0) ?

 as the default or status quo hypothesis

 suggests NO significant effect, relationship, or difference
 as a new drug having NO effect on a specific medical condition

6. What is the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative data?

 Qualitative: don’t include measurements (The weather outside is hot

and humid today).

 Quantitative: do include measurements (The temperature

outside is 105 F and the humidity is 29%), recording
the correct units of any measuring tools used.

7. What is the difference between Models, Laws and Theories?

 Models – man-made representations to help us

visualize scientific concepts
 Laws – statements that describe patterns in nature
with no known exceptions
 Theories – explanations usually based on evidence
(may be wrong)

8. What are the purposes of control groups in experiments?

A controlled experiment just means that you have one

I.V. (Independent Variable), one D.V. (Dependent
Variable ) and everything else that could be varied has
been set constant

 Provide a baseline for comparison

 Isolate the effects of the I.V.
 Control for other variables and Identify placebo
effects
9. What is the difference between Pure and Applied science?

 PURE Research: the sake of knowledge (kiến thức)

Ex: Unraveling the genetic code of a dragonfly

 Applied Research: the purpose of solving a specific and pressing

problem (giải quyết vấn đề)
Ex: Building artificial trees that can absorb carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to reduce global warming

III – MEDICAL BIOTECH:

 Modern medicine started with the discovery of penicillin

 A little bit about the history of penicillin:

 Discovery of Penicillin (1928):

Sir Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin's antibiotic
properties marked the beginning of modern medicine by introducing
effective antibiotics.

 First Genetically Engineered Drug (1982): The approval of human insulin

produced by genetically engineered bacteria represented a breakthrough in
biopharmaceuticals.

 Human Genome Project (1990-2003): The successful mapping of the

human genome provided valuable insights into genetics and paved the way
for personalized medicine.

 CRISPR-Cas9 (2012): The development of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing

tool revolutionized genetic engineering, offering precise and accessible
genome editing capabilities.
  Flower experiment = A Hypothetical Thought experiment:
How does the amount of glucose sugar added to water affect to flower’s lifespan?
o If DV is related to IV, then
YOUR PREDICTION because SCIENTIFIC REASONING

 Major of DNA discovery:

Understanding Genetic Basis
Personalized Medicine
Disease Prevention
Drug Development
Ethical and Social Considerations

o What is Recombinant DNA technology?

 Recombinant DNA Technology (1970s): allowed scientists to

manipulate DNA => the creation of genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) and advancements in gene therapy.

o What are Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) and What are their uses?

 mAbs are laboratory-produced molecules that are designed to

mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens.

 are used in various medical fields, including oncology (cancer

treatment), immunology (autoimmune diseases), and infectious
diseases.

Ex: Herceptin for breast cancer or Humira for rheumatoid arthritis.

o What is Precision medicine?

  represents a revolutionary approach to healthcare that tailors medical
decisions and treatments to individual patient characteristics, needs,
and genetic makeup, include:
+) Personalized Treatment Approaches
+) Targeted Therapies
+) Advancements in Drug Development

o What is Polymerase chain reaction or PCR? What does it allow u to do?

Why is it such a valuable tool in biotech?

 PCR is a technique for amplifying DNA, making it easier to detect

and analyze, and is widely used in diagnostics, including COVID-19
testing.

 PCR obtain sufficient quantities of DNA for various applications, as

cloning, sequencing, genetic analysis

 Because it allows for rapid and specific amplification of DNA,

facilitating advancements in genetic research, diagnostics, forensic
analysis, and the development of genetically modified organisms
(GMOs).

 CRISPR, Gene Editing, and Beyond:

• CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows precise modification of genes.
• Ethical dilemmas include germline editing, unintended consequences, and
genetic inequality.
• Pioneering gene therapies and designer babies raise profound ethical
questions.
• The concept of 'gene drives' for altering entire populations of organisms
raises ethical concerns about ecological disruption and unintended
consequences.
 CRISPR-Cas9 Revolution: is a groundbreaking genetic engineering tool
that allows for precise and targeted modification of genes. It acts like
molecular scissors, enabling researchers to edit DNA with remarkable
accuracy.

o Gene Editing for Genetic Disorders: inherited disorders like sickle cell
disease, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis.

o Cancer Therapies: against cancer cells, opening up new avenues for cancer
treatment.

 Human Genome Project (H G P):

– Coordinated effort to sequence and identify all genes of human
genome
– Illustrated that humans and all other species share a common set of
genes essential for cellular function and reproduction
Accessing the Human Genome Project
Venn diagram

5. Regenerative medicine

 stem cell therapy: is a groundbreaking field in regenerative medicine

that harnesses the unique properties of stem cells for tissue repair and
regeneration
+) have the remarkable ability to differentiate into various cell
types, making them invaluable for replacing damaged or diseased
tissues
+) treating conditions like spinal cord injuries, heart disease, and
degenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.

 tissue engineering: is a multidisciplinary approach that combines

biology, materials science, and engineering to create functional
replacement tissues and organs.
 +) paving the way for the development of artificial skin,
cartilage, and even complex organs like the liver and heart

IV – Biomanufacturing

1. What is the idea of cell culture? What is cell culture?

 Is a laboratory technique for the growth and maintenance of living

cells in a controlled environment, often in bioreactors. Allow for the
study of cellular processes and applications in research and medicine

 It's a fundamental step where cells produce the desired bioproduct,

such as therapeutic proteins or enzymes.

2. What are some of the major benefits of biomanufacturing over traditional

manufacturing, like making cars?

 Reduce environmental impact

 Innovative product development
 Enhance economic opportunities

 Nature of Raw Materials, Product Types, Production Scale

3. That biomanufacturing has the traditional methods do not? Give a couple of

examples of biomanufacturing products and discussed many of them

 Biomanufacturing stands out for its ability to produce complex

biological products and its environmentally sustainable practices.

 Ex:
 Produce pharmaceuticals like Insulin and Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs):
treating various health conditions. These products are derived from living
organisms => for more efficient and sustainable production process.

 Biofuels like Ethanol and Biodiesel are produced through the fermentation
of biomass => a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.

 1 of the major components of the biomanufacturing process is: A piece of

equipment known as a bioreactor

4. What is a bioreactor?

 are specialized vessels used for cell culture and fermentation. They
provide optimal conditions for cell growth and bioproduct production,
including temperature, pH, oxygen, and nutrient levels.

5. What is the difference between Downstream and Upstream processing in

biomanufacturing?

 Downstream Processing: After fermentation, the target product is

separated, purified, and processed to ensure its quality and potency.

+) refers to the purification and isolation of the bioproduct

from the culture broth or fermentation broth. It includes separation
techniques, chromatography, filtration, and other methods to obtain a
pure and high-quality product

 Upstream Processing: This phase focuses on cultivating and growing

the desired cells or microorganisms. It involves tasks like cell culture
and fermentation.
6. Fermentation: is a specific type of cell culture used to produce bio-based
products. Microorganisms, like bacteria or yeast, are cultivated under
controlled conditions to convert raw materials into valuable products, such
as antibiotics, biofuels, or organic acids.

V – Forensics:

1. What is the primary role of forensic biotechnology in criminal justice?

 Role in Legal and Justice Systems: Biotech-driven evidence has

become a cornerstone in many court decisions, influencing case
outcomes and setting legal precedents.

 Role of Biotechnology in Forensics: Provides tools like DNA

profiling and PCR for precise evidence; aids in bioterrorism cases
and more.

2. What does forensic biotech offer to the legal system?

 Offers unbiased, evidence-based analysis crucial for justice;

confirms guilt and exonerates the innocent.

3. Mainly What is involved in working with DNA and that is often referred
to as DNA profiling. Which means can u?

 DNA profiling = DNA fingerprinting: A unique DNA pattern or

sequence from a specific individual, as distinctive as a traditional
fingerprint. It allows for precise identification, minimizing the risk
of errors in person identification
 Involves several key processes, including the extraction of DNA,
amplification of specific DNA regions (often using PCR), and
analysis of the DNA sequences or patterns
  The primary applications of this: forensic science, paternity testing,
and genetic research.

4. Can you build a profile from a sample of DNA, and we can look at
different features or aspects of DNA to build an individual profile, like a
thumbprint for individual individuals? What are some of these features of
DNA that can be used to make?

 Yes, a DNA profile can be constructed from a sample of DNA,

similar to a thumbprint, as each individual’s DNA contains unique
features
 Include:
Techniques: VNTR
Techniques: mtDNA
Techniques: RFLP
Comparisons to Databases like CODIS
Techniques: Y-STR: "Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeats

 VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeats):

Analyzes repetitive sequences in DNA. It's
efficient and requires a small sample. Similar to
STRs and vary in number among individuals.

 mtDNA (Mitochondrial DNA Analysis): Used

when nuclear DNA is degraded. Traces maternal
lineage and is crucial for older samples or skeletal
remains. It is inherited maternally.

 RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length

Polymorphism): Older method; examines
variation in DNA fragment lengths. Requires a
larger DNA sample.
  CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is a
national database that holds DNA profiles. When a
profile is generated from evidence, it's compared to
CODIS to find potential matches, aiding in suspect
identification or linking crime scenes.

 Techniques: Y-STR: "Y-chromosome Short

Tandem Repeats." It's a type of DNA testing
focused solely on the Y-chromosome, passed from
father to son, allowing tracing of direct male
lineage => Useful in sexual assault cases =>
Identify male DNA without interference from
female DNA.

 (What is Y STR testing?)

 In VNTR: DNA profiling depends on a small portion of the genome

+) Exons code proteins
+) Introns do not code for proteins

 In RFLP: Nucleotide sequence variations in a region of DNA that generates

fragment length differences according to the presence or absence of
restriction enzyme recognition sites.

 In mtDNA:
+) Forensic Use: Useful in samples where nuclear DNA is insufficient
or degraded, like hair shafts, bones, and teeth.
+) Techniques: Focuses on hypervariable regions (HVI & HVII) due to
their high variability.

+) Applications: Identifying ancient remains or victims in mass

disasters.
5. What is forensic botany?

 Forensic botany can help identify these toxins in crime scenarios,

such as poisonings. Knowing the specific toxin can aid in
determining the source plant, which might be crucial evidence.
 Include:
Plant DNA & Crime Scenes
Pollen's Geographical Clues
Buried Bodies & Plant Evidence
Identifying Plant-Based Toxins

6. What does the gene bank encoder system?

 refers to databases where genetic information from various

organisms is stored and cataloged => for studying biodiversity,
genetics, evolutionary biology, conservation. They include:
Encoded information about genes
DNA sequences
Various traits

7. What is Microbial forensic?

 a scientific discipline dedicated to analyzing evidence from a

bioterrorism act, biocrime, or inadvertent microorganism/toxin
release for attribution purposes

 Microbial forensics aids in tracing the source and spread of

pathogens used intentionally in bioterrorism. Identifying the strain
or variant can give clues about its origin, potentially leading back
to perpetrators.
 Can provide insights into the initial source, aiding in containment
and prevention strategies.

8. Forensic entomology:
 Insects & Time Since Death
Insects, especially flies and beetles, colonize decomposing
bodies in a predictable sequence. By identifying which insects are
present and their life stages, the estimated time since death (or
post-mortem interval) can be determined.

 Biotech in Insect DNA Extraction: allow for extracting DNA

from the insects found on bodies => provide clues about the
environment or location where the crime might have occurred.

 Crime Scene Context

Beyond time estimation, the types of insects can also suggest if a
body was moved or if the scene was altered. For instance, certain
insects might indicate that a body was originally in a wooded area
even if it's found in water.