Genomics and the technologies arising out of the science are often heralded as a means of securing cures for diseases which have proved resistant to the progress of medicine. These, generally hereditary diseases, with advances in genomic science are becoming more understood, but as of yet the possibilities of effective cures, whether through for example somatic or germ-line gene therapy, remain elusive. This has not stopped despite speculation and debate on potential future applications such as the use of genetic technologies in enhancing humans. Curative applications and enhancement applications are inextricably linked however both through the social contexts in which these technologies are to be deployed and the discourses which inform and frame the debates on their use. This article seeks to explore these links and in doing so aims to investigate some of the wider dimensions of the enhancement debate.
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