TED Talk: Ethics

It’s time to question bio-engineering

Speaker: Paul Root Wolpe/Bioethicist

Paul Root Wolpe

Paul Root Wolpe directs the Center for Ethics at Emory University,  where he works on the biggest issues most of us face in our life-long ethical journey: death and dying, new reproductive technologies, and new medical and scientific breakthroughs that are not covered in our traditional ethics (what would the Bible say about growing a human ear on a mouse?).

Presentation date: November 2010

Date viewed: January 27, 2015

                          Summary of the talk:

Bioengineering has the potential to drastically change our definition and meaning of Life. The impact of biologically engineered animals and food on all of the earth’s bio-systems may become unrepairable. 


The full ramifications of this technology have yet to be determined. Who will regulate what is ethical in this emerging realm of biotechnology and science.

Interesting thing(s) I learned from the talk:

A tiger bred with a lion (Liger)!

I was immediately shocked to discover the extent to which cloning and bioengineering technology had advanced. I was aware that scientists had mapped the human genome as well as replicated human DNA, but I was ignorant to the monumental implications of these advancements. To discover that scientists had the ability to intentionally alter and redesign the physiological form of animals was shocking!

Bio-engineered Piglets

I did not know that scientists had engineered a Beeffalo (Buffalo mixed with a Cow), Geep (Goat mixed with a Sheep), Cama (Camel mixed with a Llama), and Liger (Lion mixed with a Tiger) and Zorse (Zebra mixed with a Horse)! 

Bio-luminescent Cat

Scientists have genetically engineered cats, mice, puppies, pigs, and monkeys with bio-luminescence so that they actually glow at night like deep sea jellyfish and coral! Scientists have also bio-engineered insects and can control their motor functions. Genetic engineering and xenotransplantation has allowed scientists to build living organisms.

Radio Controlled German Roach

Mice engineered to grow a human ear!

Evaluation of the presenter:

Paul Wolpe is obviously an expert in the field of bioengineering. He is extremely passionate about the ethical implications and risks of tampering with and altering the genome of living organisms. Dr. Wolpe could easily be recognized as an expert on this subject matter.

Evaluation of the talk:

This talk was breath-taking in its clear conveyance of the risks associated with bioengineering. To understand how scientists are using the technology is very alarming. I recommend that anyone interested in this subject matter watch this Tedtalk and ponder the ethical implications. Paul Root Wolpe is phenomenal at clearly explaining this material in a simple to understand and coherent fashion.