TECH
Japanese scientists want to create hybrids between humans and animalsJapanese scientists have received government approval to create hybrids between humans and animals in what is being seen as a small step for what many experts consider a dangerous path, notes the BGR.
One of the scientists who will begin experiments in this field is Hiromitsu Nakauchi, who plans to produce human cells in rat and rat embryos. When born, these specimens will be regarded as the first hybrids between mice and humans, and no change in exterior appearance is expected.
The experience provided by Nakauchi promises to be the beginning of what is expected to be an ethical debate among the scientific community, including the idea of using animals solely to create organs for use in humans.
They plan to use stem cells to prompt suitable animals to grow certain human organs instead of their own. The idea being that in-demand organs could be grown and harvested rather than forcing patients to spend months or even years on waiting lists for life-saving procedures.
The researchers have gone about their work in a proper way, by requesting clearance, opening their doors to officials, and waiting for approval, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of criticism. The idea of growing human organs in animals simply to farm their guts later is, well, ethically muddy, and while there are still many hurdles to overcome, it will be interesting to see how scientists deal with these questions when the time comes.
The researchers have gone about their work in a proper way, by requesting clearance, opening their doors to officials, and waiting for approval, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of criticism. The idea of growing human organs in animals simply to farm their guts later is, well, ethically muddy, and while there are still many hurdles to overcome, it will be interesting to see how scientists deal with these questions when the time comes.
Miguel Dias/BGR
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