Biotechnology: Genetic screening

Click the logo above to load Science in Context's topic page on Genetic Engineering. You will need a password, click on the link below to be directed to the username and password page.

Step 1. Identify the Key Terms of the Claim

Genetic screening of embryos will give people the power to control personal traits.

Step 2. Identify Synonyms, Search Terms and Phrases

Step 3. Develop Refining Questions to Narrow the Claim - Who, What, Which, How...

Consider the following:

• How will the genetic screening occur

• Who will have the screening

• Which traits will be controlled 

• Who is given the power

• What will they do with the power

Step 4. Add to your Terms, Synonyms and Search Terms/ Phrases table.

Step 5. Do background research to answer your Refining Questions. 

Go to Searching Databases for information on HOW to search the databases effectively. Remember to use the LIMITERS to make your search more specific and relevant.

• Example of a Search using the Terms and Search Phrases:  

• From this search, read articles that appeal to you. 

• Add to your search terms

• Find similar articles that interest you. 

• IF you think there is ENOUGH information and research about your chosen topic, develop your research question.

Here are some example articles to get you started

• Public views on gene edited babies depends on how it would be used
• Expanded carrier screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis in a couple who delivered a baby affected with congenital factor VII deficiency

• Testing Times Ahead: Non‐Invasive Prenatal Testing and the Kind of Community We Want to Be

• A Framework for Unrestricted Prenatal Whole-Genome Sequencing: Respecting and Enhancing the Autonomy of Prospective Parents

• Profiles in precision medicine: Advances in DNA testing and gene editing have given people choices that would have been impossible a few decades ago. Here, in their own words, are the stories of four people confronted with these dilemmas

• Time to talk designer babies

• 3 Genetic disorders prevented

• Urea cycle disorders in India: clinical course, biochemical and genetic investigations, and prenatal testing (you will need the Gale Science in Context password to access this article)

• Research supports expanded use of cell free DNA prenatal testing (you will need the Gale Science in Context password to access this article)

Step 6. Develop a draft Research Question.

Search Engines and Databases for Biology

Any articles you find that you cannot access, search in our Database OneSearch. If you still cannot retrieve the article, send the link to the article to the Library and we will arrange for access.

Search Engines and Databases for Science