Human-Animal Hybrids

The creation of Human-Animal Hybrid embryos has sparked much controversy in the science of genetics and stem cell research. While conservative elements in the United States have been seeking a ban on such research, the United Kingdom moved ahead in January 2008 by authorizing the research through the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. Legislation is pending in the House of Commons that will determine the legality of such a move. On April 1, 2008 researchers at Newcastle University announced the first successful creation of human-animal embryos. The hybrids are created by utilizing the egg of an animal - in this case a cow. The DNA elements from the animal are removed from the egg and the DNA from a human is injected into the cell. The resulting embryo is reported by the scientists to be 99.99% human and less than 1% animal in nature. The Newcastle team managed to age the embryos to 3 days, which was enough time to generate 32 cells. The aim of the project is to generate stem cells which can then be harvested for research into the cure of various diseases.

Fast Facts:

1. Human egg cells are harder to supply
2. Internal DNA from eggs are removed
3. Resulting embryo is 99.99% human
4. First successful results announced April 1, 2008
5. British MP to vote in April on legality
6. Religious right calling for ban in U.S.

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