Annotated Bibliography in APA Style

In this post, I have written an annotated bibliography in APA style. This includes all of the sources 
found in earlier blog posts about the controversy regarding the Chinese stem cell research and its 

applications to the genetic modification of human embryos.

Benvenisty, Nissim. "Embryonic Stem Cells." 09/25/2011 via Wikimedia Commons. Creative Commons Attribution License.

Baltimore, D., Berg, P., Botchan, M., Carrol, D., Charo, R. A., Church, G., …Yamamoto, K. R. (2015, March 19). A prudent path forward for genomic engineering and germline gene modification. Science, 348, 36-38. doi: 10.1126/science.aab1028

            In this paper, the authors give a technical overview of the process of genetic engineering in order to inform members of the scientific community. After discussing the current applications of this research, the authors argue that a set of guidelines must be put forth before this research continues. By suggesting a series of guidelines to ease ethical concerns, this paper asserts that transparency is vital in this new era of genetic engineering, and this can only be done through his outlined ideas. I will use this source in my paper to analyze the bioethical concerns that the embryo-editing in China caused and use the guidelines mentioned in this paper to add tangible evidence to the discussion concerning the opposition towards genetic engineering in the biomedical field.

Bioethics.com [bioethicsdotcom]. (2015, July 6). ‘Designer Babies’ Are an Unregulated Reality: (New York Post) – “Designer babies” are discussed as ... ‪http://bit.ly/1H6y8MQ  ‪#bioethics [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/bioethicsdotcom/status/618139859920621568

            This tweet cites an article that voices concern over the increasing popularity of artificially engineered babies. As more people show interest in altering the genetic physical characteristics of babies, the article clearly demonstrates its disapproval of this type of engineering. By using this article as evidence, bioethics.com concludes that artificially engineered babies are becoming a popular and debated idea. By using this organization’s disapproval of genetic engineering as an example, I will show that stem cell research within the field of biomedical engineering does raise some serious ethical problems. The opinions regarding this vary widely, as shown by this article, and I can use this to show the fears that many people harbor regarding this idea.

Liao, L., & Zhao, R. C. (2007). Stem Cell Research in China. Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences, 362, 1107-1112. Retrieved from http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org.            

            This paper outlines stem cell research in China, both historically and in the present day. By summarizing related studies that have occurred in China, and by explaining the research guidelines that the Chinese government implements, the authors conclude that the stem cell field is going to continue to grow in China. The loose guidelines for research and the huge amounts of money available for this type of research help the authors predict this field’s growth. I will use this source in my paper to analyze the growth of biomedical research in China, and to compare and contrast the research in China and in the US. This will provide useful background and context for the controversial idea that is the focus of my writing.

Regalado, Antonio. (2015, April 22). Chinese Team Reports Gene-Editing Human Embryos. MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from http://www.technologyreview.com.

            Regalado summarizes an experimental procedure in which a group of Chinese scientists attempted to modify human embryos that were carriers for the beta-thalassemia gene. After informing the public of the experiments that occurred, Regalado explains that, although the embryos used in the procedure were abnormal, many are voicing ethical concerns. He concludes that many unforeseen mutations in the embryos caused the scientists to obtain inconclusive data, meaning that this procedure cannot be performed on normal embryos. I will use this source in my paper to further elaborate on the scientific process that was implemented. In addition, because this Regalado’s opinion seems to lean slightly in favor of the scientists who conducted the experiment, this article will be useful to analyze this particular stand on the subject.

Snyder, A. [mobilewashunit]. (2015, May 1). Fear of designer babies shouldn't distract us from the goal of healthy babies ‪http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/may/01/fear-of-designer-babies-shouldnt-distract-us-from-the-goal-of-healthy-babies … ‪#ethics, ‪#bioethics [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/mobilewashunit/status/594121678936002560

            In this tweet, Snyder takes a stand in favor of stem cell research and its potential in the curing of hereditary diseases. By tweeting an article that supports this type of research, Snyder shows his public approval of this research, even amidst fears of artificially engineered babies becoming prevalent in society. The article that Snyder tweeted about concludes that this technology, if used responsibly, can prove to be a useful tool to cure certain diseases in the future. I will use this tweet and the article to show that some people do support this research, even after addressing the fears and concerns associated with it. This will give an essential look into public opinion that favors stem cell research.

Stein, Rob. (2015, April 23). Critics Lash Out At Chinese Scientists Who Edited DNA In Human Embryos. National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org. 

            In this article, Stein describes an experiment in which Junjiu Huang and his team of scientists attempted to make changes to a gene in 86 human embryos in an effort to prevent the blood disorder beta-thalassemia. Stein goes on to explain how both sides of a controversy were brought to light by this experiment. Some claim that the scientists overstepped an ethical boundary by experimenting on human embryos, but by describing the experiment, and then citing evidence from people who support and oppose the experiment, the author concluded that this procedure was not successful enough to apply clinically and that it will not be replicated exactly, so concerns are a moot point. However, the argument about whether this research should continue in different forms is still a source of debate. In my essay, I will use this perspective to introduce the topic, because it efficiently introduces and describes both sides of the argument. This will help me establish context in order to evaluate the controversy further.

Additions

Cooper-White, M. (2015 April 24). Scientists Genetically Modify Human Embryos For First Time. Are We Facing A New Era Of Eugenics? The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/24/embryo-genomes-edited-first-time_n_7127640.html

            In this article, Cooper-White describes the experiment in which scientists genetically modified human embryos in order to correct a certain gene. She goes on to describe the sudden onslaught of disapproval from bioethicists around the world who fear that these scientists have gone too far and crossed ethical boundaries. By quoting many individuals who both approve and disapprove of this scientific procedure, the author seems to conclude that this science is too premature to implement in clinical procedures. This also means that bioethicists should not be too concerned about this process being used as a way to selectively choose traits for human beings. I will use this article to summarize the arguments being made in this controversy, and to show what seems to be a middle ground in the discussion. It shows that, while there are people who oppose and approve of this experimentation, there are others who feel that the science is too new to even consider as a serious issue.

Knoepfler, P. (2015, August 20). Conversation with Kelly Hills: human genetic modification & bioethics [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://pknoepfl.tumblr.com/post/127197811608/conversation-with-kelly-hills-human-genetic

            In this blog post, Knoepfler interviews Kelly Hills, a science writer and editor who specializes in bioethics. The article focuses on some key issues regarding genetic modifications with humans that bioethicists have, such as the opposition between what is normal and abnormal, and the issue with using biomedical technology on embryos who cannot consent to the treatment. By answering a series of questions regarding the issue, Hills concludes that the publication process for scientific papers must be modified to address these bioethical concerns, and to ensure that ethical guidelines are not crossed in the name of science. I will use this blog post in my project in order to offer a bioethicist’s perspective on my controversy.

Newman, L.H. (2015, April 30). NIH Won’t Fund Research That Involves Editing DNA in Human Embryos. Slate. Retrieved from http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/04/30/nih_bans_gene_editing_research_in_human_embryos.html

            This article discusses one of the outcomes of the Chinese experimentation on human embryos. In the article, Newman describes the experiment, and then goes on to report some of the public outrage that ensued. After giving some context for this event, she concludes that, on account of this type of experimentation being deemed hazardous and unethical, the National Institutes of Health will not fund any studies that make use of human embryos. This article can be used in my project to demonstrate the bioethical argument opposing genetic modification of human embryos. It will show some of the long-term effects of this experiment on the scientific community.

The Lip TV. (2015, April 26). Are Mutated Babies Coming? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=275&v=LsOhjG-UGlQ

            In this news story, Jo Ankier discusses the experiment that occurred in China and the bioethical concerns that it caused with broadcast journalist John Fenoglio. Throughout this discussion, the two talk about the controversy that ensued from this experiment, and Fenoglio voices his opinion that this experiment is not necessarily a cause for concern. He concludes that, as long as necessary precautions are taken, this type of experimentation is necessary for the advancement of science. I will use this video in my project to demonstrate a perspective in favor of genetic experimentation on human embryos.

Note: An example annotated bibliography in APA style can be found here.

Reflection

Victoria's annotated bibliography, which was also written in APA style, helped me assess my own bibliography for its citation style. Overall, it seems like our citations use the same style, as we both followed the same rubric. Her bibliography helped me realize why APA asks us to cite our sources in this way, as the citation gives important information so that anyone can go back and find the source.

Michael's annotated bibliography, written in IEEE style, helped me understand a citation style that is very different from the one I used. There were definitely some striking differences in the way he cited his sources, but it was interesting to see how our citation styles overlapped. They both give some essential information about our sources, such as the author and title, but in a slightly different manner. I also really liked how he annotated his sources, as his annotations were very thorough and concise.

Overall, reading my classmates' bibliographies helped me assess my own bibliography. One thing it definitely made me realize is that I can cut down on the length of my annotations slightly, and still include all of the necessary information. I sometimes tend to summarize a little too much, so hopefully I can use this idea in my future writing.