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4A THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2006
SPEAKER
Genetic enhancement may 'improve' people
BY FRED A. DAVIS III
fdaisv@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITER
No more blind people. A world where every male is six inches taller if he chooses to be. The ability to concentrate longer — without the help of medication.
Those possibilities, and others, were discussed by Dan Brock, director of the Division of Medical Ethics at the Harvard Medical School.
The potential of those dramatic changes
Brock
hinge upon genetic engineering, which Brock spoke about to a packed room of about 80 people at the Kansas Union Thursday night.
Brock's speech, "The Ethics of Using Genetics to Make People Better," centered on two main points: using genetics to prevent diseases in humans before birth and the idea of genetic enhancement to "improve" people who would otherwise have no real health problems.
The use of genetic testing is already practiced in both pre- and post-conception instances.
Diseases like Huntington's and two different types of breast cancer genes are just a sample of the genes that can be tested to see if a fetus may have the affected gene.
One problem that arises when a fetus is discovered with a disability, for instance, is whether to abort the child, or decide to raise a disabled child, Brock said.
Or should a person wait to possibly have a child without a disability, if genetic testing can indicate the child will be without a disability?
That question, while difficult, is ultimately left to the prospective parent.
specifically the disabled community, argue that eliminating the number of disabled people would reduce the support of disabled people already living.
Brock countered that argument with an analogy. He asked if support and research for lung cancer would decrease if there was a push for smoking prevention.
His second point, natural enhancement through genetics, drew substantial interest from the audience.
One audience member said that natural enhancement was akin to playing God and that misuse of it was a grave danger.
Brock replied that he did have concerns about the misuse of natural enhancement, but that possible advancements like improved memory and reduced need for sleep were viable reasons for genetic natural enhancement research.
Edited by Jodi Ann Holopirek
Lift every voice and speak
Deborah Cannon/The Austin American-Statesman
Students from Del Valle High School march along highway 71 east of Bergstrom Airport to voice their opinions on immigration reforms Thursday in Austin, Texas. Protests continued across Texas about immigration legislation in Congress.
LAWRENCE
Parks and Rec to have birthday bash
BY KRISTEN JARBOE
kjarboe@kansan.com
KANSAST WEEK WRITER
Lawrence's Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating 60 years of serving the Lawrence community Sunday. An event called "Day of Fun," which involves Delta Delta Delta sorority and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, will commemorate the event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St.
Since the Parks and Recreation Department was established in 1946, it has been a finalist for the National Parks and Recreation Association's Gold Medal Award program
Many games such as tug-of-war and a beanbag toss will be played. Local bands Blue Condition and Rowan will be performing, and food will also be provided.
two times. It has provided service in parks, developed trails, sponsored recreational activities and developed a golf course.
provided.
Many games such as tug-of-war and a beanbag tos will be played. Local bands Blue Condition and Rowan will be performing, and food will also be
The event is open to the public. Roger Steinbrock, Parks and Recreation marketing supervisor, said many people had inquired about the day. Steinbrock organized the event.
"It's a time for us to celebrate and let people know that we've been in business for that many years," said Fred DeVictor, director of Parks and Recreation.
Ryan Lonergan, community service chairman and Mission Hills sophomore, said 20 members would help facilitate the various games. Phi Kappa Psi decided to help with this event as their "Day of Service" that the national fraternity instigates.
Delta Delta Delta has about eight people who will help mostly with face painting and working with children.
"I think it will be a really good experience to interact with kids in the community," said Caitlin Yarusso, Castle Rock, Colo., freshman. "Community service is important, including things like cleaning up trash, but I think when you're helping people you get a really good feeling."
In the event it rains Sunday, the "Day of Fun" will be held in the Lawrence Community Building, 115 W. 11th St.
Edited by Gabriella Souza
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"It's a way to identify other sisters and brothers in your organization." Copeland said.
Jason Oruch, IFC liaison, said that he took pride in the fact that greeks from all three groups were working together for a single event. The Plano, Texas, freshman said it was a great way to start combining all three Greek councils. The IFC helped organize a team of six from the University's fraternities, including executive board members and a chapter president, Oruch said.
Copeland said the show's cultural significance goes back in history and could be traced to what she thought were a combination of theories. One theory is rooted in the tradition of African-American slaves using beats and sounds
to communicate with each other. A second theory is that African Americans started using culture beats during the late 1800s and early 1900s on college campuses where there were less prominent groups compared to the white society that sang and serenaded at events. A master of ceremonies will announce each group during the show, giving them 15 minutes to perform. An intermission will break the six performances in half. Organizations in the NPHC will compete for a trophy. Tickets can be bought for $12 in advance through the Lied Center, University Theatre or SUA box offices. At the door, ticket prices will be $15.
An after party will follow the show in the Ballroom at the Kansas Union. The cost for the reception is $5 with a ticket, and $10 without.
Edited by John Jordan
What you need, plus didn't know you needed
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
For students by students
DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
SATURDAY APRIL 1
1:30-6:00 PM
ROBINSON GYMNASIUM MAX 6 PEOPLE PER CO-ED TEAM SIGN UP AT SUA BOX OFFICE OR EMAIL: SUADodgeball@yahoo.com
WIN A $600 GIFT CERTIFICATE
GOOD AT OVER 380 LAWRENCE LOCATIONS
student union activities
www.suaevents.com
PLAY APRIL MADNESS: 1ST ANNUAL KANSAN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Bring your game for charity
MAD ABOUT MARCH?
Mens, Womens and Coeds 5 on 5 Tournament &3 Point Contest
April 8-9 10am-6pm @ Robinson Gym
$40 per Team and $10 for 3 Point Contest Entry helps: Boys and Girls Clubs of Lawrence
Pick forms'up at Stautfer-Flint room #119
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