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Human-Animal hybrid research given go ahead |
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Written by Islamic Times
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Thursday, 06 September 2007 |
The British Human Fertilization
and Embryology Authority has given a green light to develop hybrid embryos from
humans and animals.
The go-ahead comes amid mixed reactions among
religious groups and opponents who say that combining human and animal material
breaks an absolute taboo.
The research involves injecting human DNA into
cow or rabbit eggs with the hope that the resulting stem cells from the hybrid
embryos could lead to new treatments for conditions like Parkinson's and
Alzheimer's.
Initially many people are concerned over this type of
research but once they understand the potential benefits it could provide, they
would feel more comfortable about it, said Angela McNab, the chief executive of
the HFEA.
Researchers are strictly advised to apply for licenses to use
the technique for specified medical projects. Two teams of British scientists
have already done so.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 January 2008 )
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