Plan to create human-cow embryos

[Sapphire Blue]

Plan to create human-cow embryos
By Fergus Walsh
BBC News, Medical correspondent

UK scientists have applied for permission to create embryos by fusing human DNA with cow eggs.

Researchers from Newcastle University and Kings College, London, have asked the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for a three-year licence.

The hybrid human-bovine embryos would be used for stem cell research and would not be allowed to develop for more than a few days.

(snip)

Liberal Democrat MP Dr Evan Harris - a member of the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee - said: "If human benefit can be derived by perfecting therapeutic cloning techniques or from research into subsequently-derived stem cells, then it would actually be immoral to prevent it just because of a 'yuck' factor."

(snip)

Calum MacKellar, from the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics, said the research undermined the distinction between animals and humans.

He said: "In the history of humankind, animals and human species have been separated.

"In this kind of procedure, you are mixing at a very intimate level animal eggs and human chromosomes, and you may begin to undermine the whole distinction between humans and animals.

"If that happens, it might also undermine human dignity and human rights."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6121280.stm

[3waygeek]

1. Someone knocked up Ann Coulter? n/t

[Jackpine Radical]

3. Bull!

[Lautremont]

2. Let's think of new, better jokes about this.

If they post this at freak republic, you know it's going to be an endless stream of lame gags about Pelosi or Clinton or whatever other woman they hate. I say make jokes, but in the interest of innovation, make better ones!

[no_hypocrisy]

4. "Moreau! Paging Dr. Moreau!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Island_of_Dr._Moreau

[Rocknrule]

5. It's all part of the homoseckshual agenda!

:evilgrin: