Human Biological Material ( Hbm ) - 1774 Words

The use of human biological material (HBM) has been a vital part scientific research. Human biological samples are samples of blood, DNA, organ and tissue that are commonly obtained through surgical procedures or through direct donation by an individual. Research using HBM has led to the diagnosis and treatment of disease ranging from cancer to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Many ethical concerns have risen over time with how human biological materials are obtained and utilized. The ultimate question is; does the use of HBM with the mission being medical advancement benefit the greater good before the autonomy of the individual? One of the first ethical violations in tissue procurement is in the story of Henrietta Lacks. In 1951, as a patient at John Hopkins undergoing a biopsy, her diseased tissue cells were taken directly from her without consent or knowledge of how those cells were to be handles. Those cells turned out to be indestructible and were used to advance medicine in miraculous ways. The unbelievable amount of good that came from her cells is undeniable, but at what cost? Many believe her family should have profited from her cells, just as the researchers, private companies and doctors had done so for many years (Margonelli, 2010). Many will agree with the process of informed consent. Informed consent requires research investigators to provide potential subjects with a clear appreciation and understanding of the fact, implications, and future consequencesShow MoreRelatedSirtris Pharmaceuticals: Living Healthier, Longer9149 Words   |  37 Pagesdevelop drugs that could treat diseases of aging, and in so doing had the potential to extend the lifespan of human beings.1 The Sirtris team had, in fact, established a link between resveratrol, a compound found in red wine-producing grapes, and sirtuins, a newly discovered family of enzymes with links to improved longevity, metabolism and health in living things as diverse as yeast, mice and humans. S inclair and Westphal were building Sirtris around the development of sirtuin-activating drugs for the