University of Southern Mississippi
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The ethical impermissibility of implanting embryos that carry the genetic markers for deafness
Get PDFPreimplantation genetic diagnosis is a reproductive procedure that involves testing embryos conceived by in vitro fertilization for genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, and controversially deafness. This paper examines the ethical dilemma surrounding parents using this technology to select for and choose to implant an embryo that carries the genetic markers for deafness. Disability and impairment are discussed, followed by an in-depth analysis of the role of Deaf culture, including the perspective of hearing children of deaf adults. The effect of deafness on life opportunities is then viewed through the lens of the child’s right to an open future. Next, the lack of regulations surrounding preimplantation genetic diagnosis in the United States is compared to the regulations of other countries. The paper concludes with an examination of the inequities the deaf population face in the healthcare system of the United States. Ultimately, this paper seeks to argue that parents should not be allowed to choose to implant an embryo that carries the genetic markers for deafness. Future research should focus on the opinions of the deaf community on the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for this purpose, as well as the societal consequences of denying implantation of embryos that carry the genetic markers for this disability
Understanding Structure-Property Relationships Within Polyolefin-Derived Vitrimer Systems
No full textPolyolefins are extremely ubiquitous materials due to their satisfactory material properties, ease of synthesis, and low cost. Unfortunately, their extensive use has led to a global plastic waste mismanagement problem. As such, notable efforts have recently focused on converting these commodity polymers into vitrimers, or dynamic networks, to extend their use-life and tailor their properties. However, the fundamental polymer physics of these emerging materials, remain largely underexplored, hindering their widespread implementation. To address this challenge and enable a more sustainable future, the overarching goal of my dissertation research is to understand the fundamental structure-property relationships within complex polyolefin-derived vitrimer systems. This work first focuses on toughening extremely brittle, low molecular weight commodity polypropylene through conversion into vitrimers with polymeric, poly(ethylene glycol)-based crosslinkers in order to create model opportunities for otherwise landfill-bound plastics. From there, the potential for tailorable mechanical properties through crosslinkers of different identities and characteristics within dynamic networks was realized and extended into commodity polyethylene systems. The composition-structure-property relationships of PE-vitrimers crosslinked with 8-arm polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated and it was determined that the use of NP crosslinkers can modulate the properties of polyolefin-derived semicrystalline vitrimer materials. Moreover, I investigated the nanoconfinement impact on the physical properties of an emerging polyolefin system, specifically atactic, cis poly(methylene-1,3-cyclohexane). Molecular packing behaviors and their impact on bulk material properties were examined by analyzing the glass transition temperature and dynamic fragility under thin film confinement. Finally, the last sections of this dissertation explore the importance of polymer sustainability education for the next generation, where labs for immiscible polymer compatibilization and community outreach through coastal and local plastic waste cleanups were designed and effectively implemented
