Pinky and the Brain!!
Posted on 01/28/2005 5:39:43 AM PST by FreeMarket1
MICE BUILT WITH HUMAN BRAINS
Jan 28, 2005 - FreeMarketNews.com
by staff reports
Chinese scientists have created a part human, part animal hybrid, according to National Geographic News. At the Mayo Clinic, scientists have created pigs whose veins flow with human blood. And Stanford University is considering an experiment that would create mice with human brains. Supposedly these and other laboratory creations might help scientists more effectively test drugs meant for humans or create spare body parts.
Legally, let alone morally and ethically, the dividing lines are gray at best.
NGN reports that “creating human-animal chimeras—named after a monster in Greek mythology that had a lion's head, goat's body, and serpent's tail — has raised troubling questions: What new subhuman combination should be produced and for what purpose? At what point would it be considered human? And what rights, if any, should it have?”
There are precedents for crossing the species barrier. Heart valves from pigs have frequently been used as replacements in humans. And farm animals have had human genes added to them.
What is different and far more controversial about more recent efforts is that these experiments would involve the creation of new species, though the process of mixing human stem cells with embryonic animals.
Canada has already passed laws that would ban such practices. It is prohibited to place human cells in non human embryos or vice a versa.
Some researchers in the United States believe that, in the interest of science, there should be no prohibition.
Irv Weissman of Stanford University’s Institute of Cancer/Stem Cell Biology, who has already created mice possessing a percentage of a human brain, is one of these.
He states: "Anybody who puts their own moral guidance in the way of this biomedical science, where they want to impose their will—not just be part of an argument—if that leads to a ban or moratorium. … they are stopping research that would save human lives."
In the July, 2004 “The Dean’s Letter” of the Stanford School of Medicine, Dr. Weismann’s testimony on stem cell research policy before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space is noted.
Dr. Weismann stated, “In my own personal moral view, those in a position of advice or authority who participate in the banning or enforced delays of biomedical research that could lead to the saving of lives and the amelioration of suffering are directly and morally responsible for the lives made worse or lost due to the ban."
He then concluded, "If you have real concerns about our economy, or our ability to...............Full Article www.FreeMarketNews.com
Well I do imagine that China could fit 1.2 billion mice in their space a lot easier than 1.2 billion people. Then, if they get uppity with Taiwan again, we can send in our new secret weapon: house cats.
"Hi! The name's GOD.... Yes, good to meet you, too... Listen, I've taken a keen interest in your research. Mind if I have a word with you and your colleagues?"
Not all Intelligent Design is intelligent.
I'm sure the rights will be far greater than what is offered to unborn humans...
Does this expalin how Michael Moore ended up with the brain of a mouse?
And they've been doing some wonderful work at Doctor Moreau's lovely island research facility...
Seems all they have done is mess with what has already been created.
Sort of like putting a chevy engine in a Ford Mustang.
Is that an ear or a Vagina?
If you have to ask, I would hate to see the woman who owns the vagina you have witnessed. Hoofa. ;)
John Steinbeck would be proud.
Are you kidding? It would be one of the greater stories of all time if scientists created a blade of grass that grew only 2-1/2" tall...and that crowded out weeds...and was drought proof!
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