Posted on 06/18/2013 12:41:06 AM PDT by TexGrill
TOKYO: Japanese experts were Tuesday set to discuss rules for experiments with animal-human embryos, as scientists seek permission for tests that could see human organs produced inside the growing body of an animal. Researchers want to introduce a human stem cell into an animal embryo, to create a so-called “chimeric embryo”, which they can implant into an animal’s womb.
The hope is that this stem cell will grow into a fully-functioning human organ — a kidney or a liver, for example — as the animal matures.
This would mean when the creature is fully grown, the organ could be harvested from the animal and used for transplanting into a person in need.
“Experts will study what possibilities this kind of research will generate,” especially with regard to ethics and human dignity, a government official told AFP.
The panel’s recommendation will be sent to a government committee next month, which is expected to begin drafting guidelines shaping the boundaries of Japan’s cutting-edge embryonic research.
Japan currently allows scientists to grow chimeric embryos for two weeks in test-tubes, but prohibits them from putting those embryos into an animal’s womb, the official said.
(Excerpt) Read more at nst.com.my ...
The only “furry” I think I’ll ever approve of....
I’m sure this will work out well....what could go wrong?
“The Fly” comes to mind.
Oh great. Now we’ll have to worry about real-life werewolves.
Nah. The Japanese will stop at catgirls.
If they get catgirls first, the Japanese scientists will be faaaar too busy to move on to anything else...
or
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