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| THE LIVING CELL A look at the world of the cell with Boyce Rensberger May 16, 1997 |
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Questions answered
in this forum:
Are cancer cells "anarchists" in the body "republic?" Will human organs ever be genetically engineered? What makes humans different from chimpanzees? Will cloning lead to the lose of human individuality? Why hasn't the abortion debate included new information on how human life develops? Where will the most exciting advances in biology come from in the next century?
NewsHour Backgrounders
David Gergen discusses the cellular world with Boyce Rensberger, author of "Life Itself: Exploring The Realm of the Living Cell."
April 24, 1997:
Charlayne Hunter-Gault talks with the doctor who helped a 63-year-old woman become a mother.
March 5, 1997:
The annoucement of Dolly, the cloned sheep, was stunning, but what does cloning mean for society?
February 24, 1997:
Analysis of the revelation that Scottish scientists had cloned a sheep.
January 1, 1997:
Paul Solman reviews the year in genetics.
Browse the NewsHour's index of science coverage.
As scientists gain greater understanding of DNA, the genetic code and cellular machinery, society is learning new facts about human intelligence, disease and development. Ideas of sexuality and race are being redefined, and cellular research has even made the question of when human life begins more complex. Science has been forced into the ethical quagmire surrounding the abortion debate, and some believe answers to some of society's most fundamental questions rests in this microscopic world.
Cells are no longer considered simple, jelly-filled sacks; researchers are now finding these fundamental units of life filled with complex transportation systems, strong, but flexible, skeletal systems and sophisticated communication networks. All the basic elements of life -- movement, reproduction, digestion, etc. -- can be found at the cellular level, scientists have found.
In fact, some biologists now view the 60 trillion cells that form the human body as a "republic" where individual cells give up their independent identities for the benefit of the whole body but retain their abilities to live freely once removed from the body.
Boyce Rensberger, a science writer for The Washington Post, has delved into the mysteries surrounding a cell with his book, "Life Itself: Exploring the Realm of the Living Cell," and answered your questions.
Questions answered
in this forum:
Are cancer cells "anarchists" in the body "republic?" Will human organs ever be genetically engineered? What makes humans different from chimpanzees? Will cloning lead to the lose of human individuality? Why hasn't the abortion debate included new information on how human life develops? Where will the most exciting advances in biology come from in the next century?
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