Mice given human brain cells for stem-cell experiments - 12/17/200
Scientists reported they have created mice with human blood cells. These mice were born with about 0.1 percent of human cells in their heads after the fourteen day old rodent embryos were injected with about 100,000 embryonic stem cells. Led by Fred Gage of the Salk Institute in San Diego, the scientists created the mice in an effort to make realistic models of neurological disorders.
With the same focus, three top cloning researchers have applied for a patent that contemplates fusing a complete set of human DNA into animal eggs to manufacture human embryonic cells. Researchers argue that co-mingling human and animal tissue is important to make sure that experimental drugs and new tissue replacement therapies are safe for people.
The bioethics of the "yuck" factor are being bumped closer to that line of world debate, as researchers justify the minute trace of DNA does not come close to "humanizing" the rodents. Doctors have injected human cells into lab animals for a while, but the brain receiving Human DNA crosses closer to wickedness, as the nightmare possibility of a human mind trapped in a animal head draws closer.
"Mice grow human brain cells after stem-cell injections." Lewiston Tribune 13 Dec 2005: D1.
Bush blocks stem cell funding with veto - 7/20/2006
President Bush used the first veto of his preseidency when he rejected legislation that could have multiplied the federal money going into embryonic stem cell research. The House voted 235-193 to overturn Bush's veto, 51 short of the required two-thirds majority, a few hours later.
According to the White House, "The bill would compel all American taxpayers to pay for research that relies on the intentional destruction of human embryos for the derivation of stem cells, overturning the president's policy that funds research without promoting such ongoing destruction."
President Bush and his allies believe embryos are nascent human life worth more than the advance they might make through stem cell science.
"This bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others," President Bush said. "It crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect." "If we are to find the right ways to advance ethical medical research, we must also be willing when necessary to reject the wrongs ways." "For that reason, I must veto this bill."
Pickler, Nedra. "Bush uses veto to block stem cell funding." Lewiston Tribune 20 July 2006: 3A.
Kellman, Lauri. "Bush promises veto of Senate stem cell bill." Lewiston Tribune 18 July 2006: 3A.
Human DNA used to trick cow eggs to begin life - 3/26/2007
At least three teams of British scientists are proposing experiments that require the insertion of human genes into animal eggs. Currently, those scientists who are actively pursuing human cloning are prevented by a nearly nonexistent human egg supply. Thousands of eggs are needed to achieve the scientific advancement they seek.
All three U.K. teams plan to avoid the setback of the lack of eggs, by taking DNA from patients and fusing it with cow eggs that have had all their genetic material removed. Their hope is that the human DNA will trick the eggs into thinking they're pregnant, beginning development. After about five days of growth, the cloned embryos would be destroyed and the stem cells extracted.
Stephen Minger, director of the Stem Cell Laboratory at King's College in London has requested a government license to use cow eggs instead of women's eggs to generate human embryonic stem cells. His application with the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority - along with another from Lyle Armstrong of the North East England Stem Cell Institute - will be ruled on later this year.
Elias, Paul. "Cloning technique reignites controversy." Spokesman-Review [Spokane] 26 Mar 2007: A7.
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