3D Modeling in Biology
Social Issues
" Around 95% of new anticancer drugs eventually fail in clinical trial "
3D modeling technologies impact society in a number of ways, one of those being in the field of medicine. Incredible amounts of money and effort are spent on research for medications for some of the most widespread and chronic diseases. The Institute of Medicine estimates that the cost to complete development of one drug is over 1 billion USD.
Unfortunately, over 90% of prototypes of potential cancer medications eventually fail in clinical trial. This is partly because, in reality, cells grow in three dimensions. In order to efficiently understand how to combat cancer cells, scientists conduct research using 3D modeling and analysis. In addition, cognitive imparements including Alzheimer's may only be fully understood through research of neurological pathways in the brain. 3D simulation and modeling projects such as Blue Brain may be the key to fully understanding these diseases.
3D modeling allows scientists to use computing power and visualization to develop technologies in medicine that would not otherwise be possible. For example, a computer that can simulate the construction, folding, and binding of organic molecules such as proteins may allow scientists to create medications that can control specific cell functions. Because 3D modeling allows for these immense advancements in the word of biotechnology, it has and will continue to have a growing social impact on mankind. Not only will the increased use of this technology save money and time in the field of medical research, it will also make the world a safer place, with fewer uncurable or fatal ailments.
Ethical Issues
Although 3D modeling is mostly used to perfom research and analyse data, it has an additional emerging application. 3D printing has merged with medicine to become bioprinting, one of the fastest growing areas in biology. Because models of human anatomy and systems have become accurate and precise due to computing power, the possibility of bioprinting custom human prostheses has become very real. These prosthetics are not only printed with plastics and metal, but can also be printed with various types of human cells, allowing to replace tissue and organic matter within the body. Although this sounds like a revolutionary technology, it is not without ethical concerns. One of the most fundamental issues of 3D bioprinting is its safety. Often times, a person receiving a printed prosthesis is putting his/her life in the hands of the computer that designed it, which for many is concerning. This issue is especially prevalent as bioprinted prostheses become more complex, possibly even replacing organs. This also brings about the moral issue many people have with replacing natural organic material with artificial organic material. Delving even further into this conflict, another ethical issue of bioprinting arises, "how far are we willing to go?" It may be possible in the future to print body parts that can give the receiver superhuman abilities. There is a concern that this technology will go too far, and humans may artificially enhance their natural abilities with 3D printed prostheses.
Legal Issues
The technology of bioprinting, based on 3D models and computation, not only brings about ethical issues concerning safety, but also stirs up complicated legal problems. These bioprinted transplantable organs or body parts could potentially save thousands of lives per year, making 3D modeling and bioprinting a widespread and lucrative business. The issues arise because patents are not applicable to natural objects, and it is unclear whether bioprinted materials are considered natural. If a 3d printed organ were to be patented, it may force general rules of patenting to change, creating confusion as to what the definition of something natural is, and whether or not it can be patented.
A second legal issue of 3D modeling is the potential for digital piracy. Like any digital information, 3D models can be stolen and replicated without any legal controls. As in the film industry, copies of 3D models or 3D modeling software may be illegaling obtained and distributed, proving detrimental for the industry. In addition to the economic impact, this piracy would also invoke legal disputes, and eventually lead to largescale lawsuits.