The creation of human-animal embryos for scientific research won final approval from British lawmakers on October 22, 2008 as part of an overhaul of sensitive science laws.Associated Press: Britain widens scope for stem cell research (October 23, 2008) Researchers say that the technology is of profound importance in the quest to find cures for major diseases.The cells used would be 99.9% human and would have to be destroyed after 14 days in a petri dish.

In April 2008 scientists from Newcastle University in Britain announced they created the first ever part human, part animal hybrid embryo. The human animal hybrids are called "cytoplasmic hybrids" or 'cybrids'. The cybrids are created by completely scrapping the DNA taken out of animal embryo voiding it of genetic information. The empty shell of the embryo is then injected with human DNA and allowed to grow and reproduce stem cells.Times Online: Cells from 'cytoplasmic hybrids' won't make it into humans (May 20, 2008)

The DNA placed in the cells would be from patients with disorders like Diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease. The cellular models would then be investigated to help develop and test new therapeutic drugs.

Some find the process unacceptable. Many are concerned that the experimentation could possibly go further, perhaps leading to the misuse of the technology. Fears exist that science is crossing moral and ethical boundaries, and seek further regulation on such procedures.

• Telegraph: MPs vote to allow human-animal hybrids (October 23, 2008)

• Gaurdian: MPs back embryology shakeup but abortion row continues (October 23, 2008)

• Guardian Unlimited: Gordon Brown: Why I Believe Stem Cell... (May 18, 2008)

• Scarborough Evening News: Goodwill Supports Controversial Human/animal... (May 21, 2008)

• Times Online: MPs back creation of human-animal embryos (May 20, 2008)

• CNN: Alarm over UK hybrid embryo research (May 20, 2008)

• Washington Post: Hybrid Embryo Research Endorsed (May 20, 2008)

• The Telegraph: David Cameron voted for human-animal hybrids over disabled son (May 20, 2008)

• Telegraph: Embryo Bill: David Cameron Voted for Human-animal... (May 20, 2008)

• CTV.ca: Britain Allows Human-animal Embryo Research (May 19, 2008)

• Science Daily: Hybrid Human-Animal Embryo Research Approved In The UK (January 18, 2008)

• Channel 4 (UK): Q&A: embryology bill debate

• Topix.net: Human Animal Embryos

• Google News: Human Animal Embryos

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