Biosociality and Biocitizenship in Biotechnology

A concept that explores how biological processes and technologies shape social interactions and identities.

A framework that analyzes how individuals' rights and responsibilities are defined by their biological characteristics in the context of new genetic technologies.

Describes a situation where individuals and societies hold high hopes for genetic advancements but also confront anxieties and uncertainties.

A specific case study that involves stories of individual experiences with genetic technologies, highlighting the complexities of hope and despair.

A case study involving a specific individual named Mehmet who underwent a challenging genetic diagnosis and treatment, illustrating the lived experiences of biocitizenship.

A platform where researchers and practitioners share their expertise on the social and ethical implications of genetic technologies.

A prominent publisher of academic journals, ensuring the quality and reliability of information presented in the article.

A digital platform hosted by Taylor & Francis, providing access to a wide range of academic articles, books, and other resources.

Presenting someone's personal story can create a legal basis for them to receive a specific treatment, such as a stem cell cure.

The idea that patients have the right to expect more than just accepting their condition, especially when it comes to potentially life-altering information.

Rights derived from personal stories, such as the right to receive a stem cell cure, can be seen as having the same weight and importance as fundamental human rights, like the right to life or freedom.

The specific way these rights are interpreted and enforced is still unclear, but their significance is undeniable.

The author advocates for a shift in medical practice, encouraging doctors, politicians, and society to move away from accepting negative outcomes as inevitable and instead prioritize providing patients with hope for potential cures.

A process of making decisions based on ethical considerations, usually by a group of experts.

Exceptional permission granted for a specific case, typically involving a deviation from a rule or law.

A statement or action that represents a compromise, implying a willingness to accept a less ideal solution.

The act of strongly influencing someone to change their opinion or stance, often through repeated persuasion or pressure.

A situation where a leader faces a significant setback or defeat in a matter of great importance or personal significance.

The ability to influence or control people through their bodies, often through policies and practices.

A feeling of optimism and anticipation about the future, often associated with opportunities for improvement and progress.

The belief that biocitizenship is a radical break from past forms of biopower, suggesting that the current era offers more choices and agency than before.

An argument that the traditional forms of biopower remain relevant and powerful in the modern context, even with the rise of biocitizenship.

A perspective that acknowledges the darker side of the discourse of hope, suggesting that it often arises from feelings of despair and a desire for control.

A real-world example used to illustrate and support the concept of biocitizenship and the discourse of hope.

An example of a case study where a US campaign aimed to promote awareness about the positive aspects of genetic testing and genetic screening.

Biocollectives are groups of people who actively engage with the life sciences, shaping their own life choices and lifestyles based on new possibilities offered by medical and genetic advancements.

Biological citizenship, a term coined by Rose and Novas, describes how individuals actively shape their lives and identities based on new possibilities afforded by advancements in biomedicine, effectively becoming self-entrepreneurs of their own health.

Biopolitical democratization refers to the process of empowering individuals to make choices and participate in decisions concerning biomedicine and their own health, leading to a more democratic understanding and control of health.

The concept of 'somatic individuality' signifies the ability to explore and utilize new possibilities created by the life sciences. It emphasizes the individual's control over their own body and health decisions.

An 'economy of hope' is a unique economic model that blends ethical and commercial aspects, driven by the hopes and possibilities generated by breakthroughs in the life sciences. It is fueled by the intertwining of investment opportunities, research frontiers, and patients' aspirations.

The term 'moral pioneers' refers to individuals who actively create and shape new values within the field of biomedicine. These values arise from both ethical and commercial considerations.

Biopolitical democratization is driven by individuals who actively participate in shaping their own health and well-being. This active participation can be viewed as a form of creative agency within the context of biomedicine.

The 'economy of hope' involves individuals taking ownership of their health and well-being, contributing to a new economic model where hope and investment are intrinsically linked.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used to identify genetic abnormalities in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before they are implanted in the uterus. This helps prevent the birth of children with certain genetic diseases.

The Mehmet Case involved a six-year-old boy named Mehmet Yildiz who suffered from beta thalassemia major, a blood disease. His parents sought public funding for IVF, PGD, and HLA typing to conceive a child who could donate stem cells to treat Mehmet's condition.

HLA typing is a process to identify the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes in individuals. These genes are vital for the immune system and determine tissue compatibility for organ and stem cell transplantation.

The Norwegian Biotechnology Act prohibited the use of IVF and PGD for the purpose of selecting embryos that could be used as donors. The 'Mehmet Case' challenged this law and raised public awareness about the ethical implications of PGD.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types in the body. They are crucial for regenerative medicine and the treatment of diseases like leukemia and thalassemia.

Beta thalassemia major is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia and requiring frequent blood transfusions. It is a serious, inherited condition.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs are fertilized outside the body, in a laboratory setting. The fertilized embryos are then implanted into the uterus.

The Norwegian Parliament, while not explicitly banning PGD, voted to tighten the regulations surrounding its use, reflecting ongoing debates about the ethical implications of this technology.