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Human Experiments – Nuremberg Medical Trials and American Research
The development of modern drugs is an extremely complex and time-consuming process that begins with the discovery of molecules and can often take decades. The testing of drugs for human use is conducted under strict frameworks regulated not only by professional but also by ethical standards. During clinical trials, the most important consideration is the safety and well-being of the participants, so researchers strive to test the investigational products with the highest level of ethical principles in mind. However, in the past, this approach was not always so strict. There have been numerous instances where the rights and safety of human subjects were overlooked, leading to serious consequences. These stories…
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Cloning – Legal and Prohibited Uses
The process of cloning is a biological phenomenon through which a genetic copy of a cell, tissue, or even an entire organism is created. Many people identify the topic solely with the cloning of whole organisms, although it encompasses a much broader spectrum, including medical applications. The roots of the concept of cloning trace back to the Greek word “klon,” which meant a sprout or twig and originally referred to the vegetative propagation of plants. Among the natural forms of cloning are identical twins, who share the same genetic information. Cloning is not a new phenomenon; it has long been applied in plants, for example, through division or cuttings. In…