Gre analytical Writing issue essay Topic 101

GRE Analytical Writing ISSUE Essay Topic - 142 
"Government should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific research and development." 
GRE AWA Analytical Writing ISSUE Essay Sample 
Solution - 142 
We have all heard, "Science is a necessary evil." Why was this saying coined? The reason is 
evident as all research work in science has two aspects. The results of scientific research can be 
used both for constructive purposes as well as for destructive purposes. The probability of the 
result of a scientific research being misused assumes greater importance when the research is 
being carried out by private companies and organizations. Therefore, it is imperative that the 
government puts some form of restrictions on scientific research and development. 
Research work in the field of nuclear science has always been a controversial issue. The energy 
produced by nuclear reactions can be tapped for constructive purposes like generation of power. 
At the same time, this nuclear energy can also be utilized for developing weapons for mass 
destruction. If a private company carries out research for fabricating nuclear weapons, then it is 
bound to make a lot of profit by selling these weapons to revolutionary outfits and other 
countries. This would lead to a volatile situation wherein the power to cause destruction on a 
large scale would be available with numerous organizations. Is this acceptable? We all know the 
aftermath of the atomic explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Can we afford to let it happen 
again? It would be worse if it happens at the hands of a terrorist outfit. The memory of the terror 
attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York is still fresh in our minds. The widespread 
destruction as the result of a probable terror attack based on nuclear weapons confirms the fact 
that there is a requirement of restricting the scientific research and development of nuclear 
energy. 
One cannot refute the fact that the greatest contributions to the progress of mankind have been 
made by scientists who carried out scientific research on their own without having to seek 
permission from their respective governments. However, the scenario today is entirely different 
from what existed centuries ago. In the present times, the quest to earn huge amounts of money 
and fame has reached alarming proportions. People are willing to go to all possible extents to 
make their lives more comfortable. Surgeons have carried out research work and developed 
compounds like botox that can wipe years off your face by a couple of injections. This may be 
useful for people who are associated with the glamour world and who earn their livelihood 
because of the youthful appeal of their faces. However, what about the common people who are 
now getting addicted to annual botox administrations? Won't these have side-effects? For how 
long can one conquer age? If one does intend to remain youthful all his life, then is mutating the 
genes of human embryos justified? 
Research is already underway for cloning animals, but there is widespread speculation about the 
results of similar experiments on humans. Is it warranted to have a baby that is the clone of a 

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popular movie star or a clone of his own brother or sister? What would be the result if such a 
technology falls into the wrong hands? People can use this for creating clones that will carry out 
crimes by impersonations. All this will be possible if the research work on human DNA is 
allowed to be carried out without any restrictions. At the same time, one cannot deny the fact that 
extensive research on human DNA has led to the emergence of the stem cell technology that can 
cure you from terminal diseases later on in life. 
In view of the above, it is evident that putting stringent regulations on scientific research work 
would not be a wise decision. Nevertheless, there should be some restrictions applied by the 
government on all forms of scientific research to ensure that the technology being developed will 
be used for the betterment of mankind. 

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