Chimera!

Certain groups are up in arms over the latest in stem cell research. Scientists have been doing research projects involving animal embryos fused with human stem cells.

Chinese scientists at the Shanghai Second Medical University in 2003 successfully fused human cells with rabbit eggs. The embryos were reportedly the first human-animal chimeras successfully created. They were allowed to develop for several days in a laboratory dish before the scientists destroyed the embryos to harvest their stem cells.

When asked whether they were trying to make a rabbit like the one in Alice in Wonderland, the researchers had no comment.

This is very troubling to religious medical groups.

"We must be cautious not to violate the integrity of humanity or of animal life over which we have a stewardship responsibility," said Cheshire, a member of Christian Medical and Dental Associations. "Research projects that create human-animal chimeras risk disturbing fragile ecosystems, endanger health, and affront species integrity."

At least it takes their mind off of human cloning. According to orthodox christians, clones would have no soul. Does that mean it's not wrong to kill a clone?

Posted by Barry at January 27, 2005 06:06 PM | Trackback