For the glory of science...my foot

Every one of the biggest discoveries in the scientific world, which has offered some mere glimmer of hope to help mankind, have always been greeted with enthusiasm, praise and controversy. The debate of whether genetically engineered plants should be introduced in NZ or the use of pig Islet cells to create insulin for diabetic patients has been going on for ages. Every topic revolves around the pros and cons the cure has for mankind may it be ethical issues, cultural concerns or social and economic issues. But amidst all the glory for Science talk and action, I think we've all been blinded by the bright light and have ignored some simple humane issues. It is simple: people are becoming cruel.

We were given a lecture on how cartilage could be mechanically engineered in the lab today to hopefully one day be able to reproduce, with will, articular cartilage to save the majority of people who have any form of cartilage degenerating disease, for example, osteoarthritis. What people always hear about is the big finale of the trial, where the scientist presents his painstaking, victorious results. What we were showed in class today, though in the eyes of some may seem like a revolution, disgusted me so badly I wanted to cry. Now, I can stand cadavas and it's interior, that's fine. But looking at the pictures of live mice carrying cartiligenous ears on their backs just made me feel so sad. There they were.. mice with no fur, on all fours, a human ear shaped cartilage model protruding from its back. It made me sick. What has the world become? Is this sacrificial even justifiable? Many may think that in the glory of science and to help mankind, it is worth it. But hell, possesing a brain and being known as the greatest, most superior animal does not give us all the right. Where is the love? What is life? Is our life worth more because we're the dominant species? And hence can manipulate all other forms of living objects? I think it's just ridiculous.