This is scary shit!

[hyphenate]

Scientists cleared for animal-human hybrid embryos
Thu May 17, 2007 11:51AM BST

LONDON (Reuters) - The way was cleared on Thursday for scientists to conduct experiments using hybrid animal-human embryos after the government bowed to a storm of protest from researchers who said a proposed ban could hurt British science.

The Department of Health said it would accept a recommendation from the Commons Science and Technology Committee that inter-species embryos could be created for research.

Scientists want to use the hybrid embryos to find cures for illnesses such as Parkinson's, stroke and Alzheimer's.

In December, the government had proposed a ban on creating the hybrid embryos, due to what it called "considerable public unease," with the door left open for later regulations that could allow such research under licence.

The change comes after sustained pressure from scientists and politicians who argued the hybrid embryos would help overcome a shortage of human eggs for research.

<snip>

The hybrid embryos, which would be destroyed within 14 days, would be more than 99 percent human but would contain a small amount of animal DNA.

Scientists say that any imposition of a ban would see research in other countries, such as China and Canada, overtake Britain. Continued...


http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKL1755489620070517?feedType=RSS

[dropkickpa]

1. Why?

They're destroyed after 14 days. And there are already millions of animals that carry portions of human genes (transgenic), this is just reversed.

[Deja Q]

7. Yeah, but somebody long ago screwed a sheep or vice-versa.

By accident.

Do we now deliberately want to do the same? :eek:

[formerrepuke]

2. Trying to create mythological creatures, maybe?

[hyphenate]

3. Not so much that

but as an aficionado of SF and fantasy, I can think of a dozen movies--if not more--that focus on mutants and animal-human hybrids. And I honestly don't think it's right to experiment on this kind of thing. (I feel sorry for lab animals for the most part as I'm an animal rights activist) Instead of this kind of research, perhaps finding new gene splicing for helping to eradicate such things as spina bifida and Down syndrome. I think that would be far more practical than getting into crossed human-animals.

[jollyreaper2112]

4. no, we already have satyrs

Just look at our professional athletes. No, I'm thinking about something more mythical like a principled republican.

[u4ic]

5. Great - the world needs more George W Bushs'

x(

[unpossibles]

6. I'm already part horse

the back end.

[Deja Q]

8. Mine's bigger.

:rofl:

[unpossibles]

9. your butt?

That's what I was talking about. You must have a dirty mind....



O8)