Posted on 05/10/2007 7:08:11 PM PDT by Coleus
UK scientists, who want to mix human and animal cells in order to find cures for degenerative diseases, have had permission for their research delayed so that the ethical issues can be subject to public consultation (Guardian Unlimited).
Scientists from Kings College, London, have applied for a licence for hybrid stem cell work on motor neurone disease. A second team from Newcastle University have applied to research how different tissues grow in the body. But after consideration of whether the two research requests came under its remit, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) recently decided that there are currently too many unresolved questions for it to be able to grant any licences. Although ruling that the use of hybrid embryos for research into diseases such as motor neurone, Alzheimer's, and diabetes is legal under current legislation, the HFEA has delayed a decision on whether to permit such research until it has undertaken a consultation process.
The consultation — of stakeholders including the medical profession, ethical and religious groups, and the general public — is designed to establish the range of opinion on the principles on which such research is based and its potential benefits. In so doing, it will clarify whether or not such research will be permitted under the government's proposals to update the law on assisted human reproduction and embryo research. Both the consultation's findings and presentation of the government's draft bill are likely to take place later this year (Government News Network).
(Excerpt) Read more at turkishweekly.net ...
Does this mean that we won’t actually get the Flying Monkeys now?
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