HW6

There is a new way for people to steal Facebook data.  Using Socialbots, a bot that is able to pass its self off as a real person by posting updates and only sending out a few friend request a day, people can now steal email addresses, as well as other valuable information.  Facebook has security, but the realism of the Socialbots, make them hard to control.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15553192

HW5

Part 2
Does Google violate people's privacy with the street view feature on maps.  Some people feel that the feature lets anybody peep into there personal lives.  Others feel that its the same as if someone were to walk or drive by.  The only difference there is a satellite feature that that can let people see over wall and fences.  Anything can be in the street view ranging from from people climbing over fences, women sunbathing, or a pet sitting on a porch.   So do you think Google crosses the line?

HW3

For ethics in science and research, I'm doing stem cells.  Stem cells are in everyone, but embryonic cells are believed to be extremely helpful.  The possibilities of stem cells range from treating diseases to growing new organs.  The controversy is that they come from a fertilized egg.  Supporters for it say that nature destroys them on its own all time, and fertility center has them frozen and a lot times never use them.  Opposition comes from people that believe that once the sperm meets the egg, its life.  What do you guys think?

Here's a whole site about stem cells: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/

HW3

“To demand that a person pee in a cup whenever you wish him to, without a documented reason to suspect that he has been using an illegal drug, is intolerable in our republic. You are saying to him, "I wonder if you are not behaving in a way that I approve of. Convince me that you indeed are".  " Alexander Shulgin.  


One of my friends showed me this and we had debated on whether it is ethical for an employer to have random drug tests to see if employees are doing drugs on their own time.  What do you think?

HW2

There is a possible cure for cancer, but it may never see the light of day.  Dichloroacetic acid(DCA)  is believed to be the miracle cure for cancer, but it is not able to be patented, therefore it can't make money.  Without funding, research is scarce.  Million of lives could possibly be saved, but they are being ignored because there is no profit.

Here is an article over DCA, with many links inside it:   http://www.kipnews.org/2011/05/14/scientists-cure-cancer-but-no-one-takes-notice-dichloroacetic-acid/

Homework 1

In Europe, it is common to see speed cameras on the road.  Two states have already begun using them, and people are wondering if it will become a trend for the rest of the United States.  These cameras see if people are speeding, and snap a picture of the speeders licence plate, and sends them a ticket in the mail.

In Maryland, legislation passed a bill that allowed the cameras to be set up around schools and work zones.  Supporters for it say that with these cameras in place, it encourages drivers to slow down.  It has also been reported that since the cameras have been in place, the roads have been safer with less accidents.

Opposition for the cameras believe that they are an invasion of privacy.  They also feel that with the cameras, a person is presumed guilty before a trial, which goes against the constitution.  They also believe that the cameras are just a way for local government to make money, but supporters say if they don't want to pay, then don't break the law.

Speeding is against the law, there's no way around it.  If a person is caught by a police officer speeding, they know they will get a ticket, but is it right to get a ticket and not even know?