Genetic engineering is a practice commonly used in foods to produce crops of greater size or quality. Recently this technology was tested on humans. The human race will now be able to improve itself and its offspring. With this technology disease can be eliminated and normal people can become better than average. You don't have to use all the technology. Genetic engineering should not be used in humans unless it is done to prevent or treat disease until it is fully understood as the consequences are undetermined and potentially devastating. Human genetic engineering, HGE, is a new technology incorporated into modern science in which genes or more specifically DNA is manipulated within a living person or zygote. Rayshell Clapper, associate professor of English, explains that a virus-like creature is allowed to enter a patient's body containing a new gene ("Human Genetics"). The virus takes control of the cell and the new gene emerges. This cell then replicates in mitosis until all of the being's cells contain the new gene. Somatic and germline engineering are types of HGE used now. Even though cloning is something else, it is years away from becoming practical. Clapper reports that somatic engineering targets cells within the body, not including egg cells or sperm, to modify the genes of specific tissues (“Human Genetics”). This means that somatic is used in living patients who are looking for changes within their own body that will not affect their offspring. Michael J. Sandel, an American political philosopher, theorizes that somatic engineering will target the patient's muscles, mood, and memory ("The Case Against"). Polygenetic traits, such as intelligence and athleticism, rely on many genes, so will require numerous scientists yes... middle of paper... 2013. Network. March 1, 2014. .Deneen, Sally. “Designer people”. E Magazine January/February 2001: 26-33. SIRS researcher. Network. March 1, 2014. .Gates, Donna. “Genetically Modified Babies: The Answer to Infertility or a Cause for Concern?” Huffington Post July 18, 2012. Web. March 1, 2014..King, David. “Human genetic engineering is risky and should be stopped.” Point of view 2 in Opposing Points of View Sources, Genetic Engineering. Eds. David M. Haugen and Susan Musser. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven, 2009. 33-40. Print.Parry, Wynne. “Designing Life: Should Children Be Genetically Engineered?” Live Science 18Feb. 2013. Web. March 1, 2014. Sandel, Michael J. “The Case Against Perfection.” Atlantic Monthly April 2004: 50+. SIRSResearcher. Network. March 1. 2014. .