Spanish researchers first created a human-ape hybrid by implanting human stem cells into GMO primate embryos
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himA group of researchers led by scientist Juan Carlos Izpisúa has the first human-monkey hybrid embryo was created in the laboratory.
During the experiment the researchers transferred human stem cells in genetically modified monkey embryos, with the aim of reproducing organs and tissues to be used for human transplants.
was carried out by members of the Salk Institute of the United States and of the Spanish UCAM University e took place in China, where such procedures are permitted. In Spain, on the other hand, similar searches are severely limited and allowed by law only to carry out investigations into life-threatening diseases.
To avoid problems related to ethics, the experiment was interrupted before the birth of the specimen: gestation ended on the 14th day, before the embryo could develop its own nervous system.
Research has however raised concerns ethical, especially for the fear that stem cells could differentiate into neurons or spermatozoa. Estrella Núñez, a biologist who worked on the experiment, however, ensured that if these cells were to migrate to the brain they would self-destruct.
The biologist talked about promising results, without revealing further details pending publication of the research.
Professor Izpisúa's team has been working on similar experiments for several years, implanting human stem cells in pig and rodent embryos. In previous research, human cells contributed marginally to the development of the embryo, so the scientists decided to try theimplantation of human stem cells into non-human primate embryos.
“What we want is to make progress for the good of people who have a disease - said Dr Núñez.
Despite the good intentions of the researchers, one wonders how far it is legitimate to go in research.
Read also:
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- These 5 monkeys were cloned and genetically engineered to be sleepless
Tatiana Maselli
Photo cover of the repertoire
