Bio Ethics and Longevity Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Bio Ethics and Longevity - Term Paper Example The idea of extending human lifespan has captivated scientists, philosophers and writers for a long time now. Moreover, ethicists have argued whether people should take a step to increase human longevity, which is not surprising. This is in consideration of the persistent media interest in research in to preventing or slowing ageing. Taking note of that, this paper will briefly summarize the ethical arguments that arose from this debate, with a focus on a recent case study on Life-extension and its effects on memory and learning (on worms). Finally, it will give a summary of critique of the case study as well as the personal opinion or ethical stand. 1. Summary Case study: Life-extension and its effect on memory and learning (on worms) The focus of the case study is on two methods to increase the longevity of various organisms - calorie restriction and alteration hormone insulin. It claims that research has shown that, reducing activity related to the insulin signal pathway impact lo ngevity positively. Several biological processes such as metabolism, development and stress response are triggered by the change of insulin signal pathway.1 A group of Biologists from Princeton recently found that, altering these mechanisms do also have some consequences on the organisms’ cognitive function and their research also revealed that calorie restriction and reduced insulin signaling is linked to reduced memory and learning as the organism grow old, which calls for development of a special treatment to avoid memory loss if people are to live longer. According to Coleen Murphy, longevity research works on the assumption that people who are able to live longer should have their bodies function equally well for the additional years. Collectively with her research team, they found out that calorie restriction had some severe effect on the lasting memory of C.elegans roundworms. To their surprise, the worms only suffered from impairment to long-term memory, but did not e ncounter any reduction in memory with age. Consequently, this means that gradual memory loss can be fought by calorie restrictions. On another front, the worms that were experimented with generic mutation reduced insulin active, signaling insulin activity. This experiment improved learning ability with age, but the worms were not secured from age-related reduction in long-term memory. These worms were used because their molecular mechanisms which governed these worms were alike to higher organism like mammals, and this has provided a promising hope for cognitive research on humans. Definition(s) Cognitive is based on or related to or involving reasoning or thinking, which is an activity of the mind. Indeed, Murphy’s team has done a tremendous job, but they have to be sure that it will apply to human beings as well and how they can overcome the reduction in learning and memory of these worms in question. The information that human’s genes are likened with those of C.ele gans, enabled treatment of negative cognitive alteration in relation to longevity extension of the worms, which is an answer to humans research. This study poses big questions. Will there be equity in access to this intervention once it is out? How does it impact our morality as human beings? Is the use of worms as having the same memory as human beings ethical? The following principles and academic papers try to take these questions into consideration. 2.

Trademark Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Trademark Assignment - Essay Example The definition and nature of the tort of passing off as well as the protection accorded the registration of a trademarks will best illustrate the significance of passing off since the introduction of the registered trademark system. This paper is therefore divided into two parts. The first part of this paper is committed to the definition and nature of the tort of passing off. The second part of this paper will examine the trademark registration system and will analyse how it runs parallel to the tort of passing off. I. The Tort of Passing Off A. Definition and Essential Elements of Passing Off Passing off is a common law concept created by judges. Lord Parker’s definition of passing off in Spalding v Gammage (1915) sets out the general significance of an action for passing off. Lord Parker defined passing off as a prohibition against the representation of one’s goods as those of another.3 A more detailed definition of passing off is provided in the Advocaat case in whi ch Lord Diplock’s definition encapsulates the essential elements of passing off. In this regard, passing off is required to be made by virtue of a misrepresentation. This misrepresentation must be made by a business trader operating in the course of his business dealings. The misrepresentation must also be made to consumers with respect to the goods and services provided by the trader. The misrepresentation must be such that it is designed to bring about harm to the goodwill or the business of a comparative business. The misrepresentation must bring about actual damages to the goodwill of business or must be likely to bring about damages.4 The essential elements of passing off which ultimately defines the tort of passing off are more particularly delineated in the House of Lords decision in Reckitt and Colman Ltd. v Borden (1990). In this case, the House of Lords described what has come to be known as the classic trinity. The classic trinity sets out the three essential eleme nts that the claimant relying on the tort of passing off must prove. First the claimant must demonstrate that the claimants services or goods have established a reputation or goodwill that separates those goods or services from comparable goods or services. Secondly, there must be evidence that the defendant misrepresented his/her goods or services with the result that it creates confusion in that the goods or services offered by the defendant are mistaken for those of the claimant. Finally, there must be evidence that the claimant is likely to incur damages as a result of the misrepresentation.5 It therefore follows that that definition and the essential elements of passing off was trimmed down by the House of Lords in the Reckitt case to encapsulate three factors. What can be gleaned from the definition and essential elements of passing off is that it aimed at protecting the reputation attached to a trade mark rather than the mark itself. This aspect of the tort of passing off is demonstrative of its significance since the introduction of the trade mark registration system. Essentially, registration protects the mark whereas a parallel right of action exists in protection of the reputation and goodwill attached to the trademark. Therefore an unregistered trademark remains