scientists propose interspecies cloning

NF Reporter · 03-25-2007, 02:23 PM

AP - It was nearly a decade ago that Jose Cibelli plugged his own DNA into a cow's egg in a novel cloning attempt that was condemned as unethical by President Clinton and landed the Michigan State University researcher in a mess of controversy.

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waltky · 09-05-2007, 04:02 PM

Human-animal cloning...

Britain to allow creation of human-animal embryos
5 Sept 2007 - Britain's fertility regulator decided in principle Wednesday to allow scientists to create human-animal hybrid embryos for research purposes, as experts downplayed ethical concerns.

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The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) gave the go-ahead to controversial plans to create "cytoplasmic" embryos, which merge a tiny bit of human DNA with eggs from animals such as cattle or rabbits. Scientists argue such research could pave the way for therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Applications to proceed with such work from researchers at Newcastle University in northeast England and King's College London can now be appraised by a licence committee in November. An HFEA consultation out earlier this week found people were "at ease" with the proposals once the possible implications had been explained.

An HFEA spokeswoman accepted public opinion was divided and said their decision was a tough one to make. "This is not a total green light for hybrid research, but recognition that this area of research can, with caution and careful scrutiny, be permitted," she said. The use and destruction of embryos in research is a highly sensitive subject in the United States, for political and religious reasons. US President George W. Bush has twice vetoed a bill seeking to allow federal funds for stem cell research as it would involve human embryo destruction.

Some experts backed the decision. "It does seem a little abhorrent at first analysis," said Newcastle University's Doctor Lyle Armstrong, who helped to create the world's first cloned human embryo in 2005. "But you have to understand we are using very, very little information from the cow in order to do this reprogramming idea. "It's not our intention to create any bizarre cow-human hybrid, we want to use those cells to understand how to make human stem cells better."

But not everyone was so pleased. Some "pro-life" and religious groups disagree with creating embryos with the intent to destroy them later. Anthony Ozimic, secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said the "pro-life" group deplored the decision. "This is not just a case of the 'yuk' factor -- there are grave ethical and moral objections. "All the evidence suggests that these embryos are essentially human. Yet they will be cannibalised and killed for their stem-cells. "These embryos may have some human characteristics, and some animal traits. No-one can say what ethical status they will have."

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