As of this date, 07-09-18, this folder contains 1 item.
******* item 1 BRITAIN TO ALLOW CREATION OF HUMAN-ANIMAL EMBRYOS
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******* item 1 BRITAIN TO ALLOW CREATION OF HUMAN-ANIMAL EMBRYOS - Sept. 5, 2007
******* LONDON (AFP) - Britain's fertility regulator decided in principle Wednesday to allow scientists to create human-animal hybrid embryos for research purposes, as experts downplayed ethical concerns.
******* The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) gave the go-ahead to controversial plans to create "cytoplasmic" embryos, which merge a tiny bit of human DNA with eggs from animals such as cattle or rabbits.
******* Scientists argue such research could pave the way for therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
******* Applications to proceed with such work from researchers at Newcastle University in northeast England and King's College London can now be appraised by a licence committee in November.
******* An HFEA consultation out earlier this week found people were "at ease" with the proposals once the possible implications had been explained.
******* An HFEA spokeswoman accepted public opinion was divided and said their decision was a tough one to make.
******* "This is not a total green light for hybrid research, but recognition that this area of research can, with caution and careful scrutiny, be permitted," she said.
******* The use and destruction of embryos in research is a highly sensitive subject in the United States, for political and religious reasons.
******* US President George W. Bush has twice vetoed a bill seeking to allow federal funds for stem cell research as it would involve human embryo destruction.
******* Some experts backed the decision.
******* "It does seem a little abhorrent at first analysis," said Newcastle University's Doctor Lyle Armstrong, who helped to create the world's first cloned human embryo in 2005.
******* "But you have to understand we are using very, very little information from the cow in order to do this reprogramming idea.
******* "It's not our intention to create any bizarre cow-human hybrid, we want to use those cells to understand how to make human stem cells better."
******* But not everyone was so pleased.
******* Some "pro-life" and religious groups disagree with creating embryos with the intent to destroy them later.
******* Anthony Ozimic, secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said the "pro-life" group deplored the decision. "This is not just a case of the 'yuk' factor -- there are grave ethical and moral objections.
******* "All the evidence suggests that these embryos are essentially human. Yet they will be cannibalised and killed for their stem-cells.
******* "These embryos may have some human characteristics, and some animal traits. No-one can say what ethical status they will have."
******* Archbishop of Cardiff Peter Smith also voiced concern.
******* "The decision as to whether or not our society allows the creation of part-human and part-animal creatures for scientific research is of profound significance," he said.
******* "The profound ethical question is: Is it right to transgress that species boundary and attempt to mix human and animal natures in however limited a fashion?"
******* The research involves transferring nuclei containing DNA from human cells to animal eggs that have had nearly all their genetic information removed.
******* The resulting embryos are therefore mostly human, with a small animal component. Stem cells, which can grow into different kinds of tissue, are then formed.
******* The hybrids would only be allowed to survive to a very early stage so that they can be studied for therapeutic purposes, the scientists say, stressing that their goal is not to create a living animal.
******* The embryos could give researchers a large supply of stem cells to work with.
******* Scientists have had to rely on human eggs left over from fertility treatment, which are in short supply and often poor quality.
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The following warning is a prophetic message given to me, Frank Wagner, in November of 1974. ******* LISTEN TO THE CRY OF THE ABORTED CHILDREN. THEIR CRY IS NO. THEIR CRY IS A CRY OF TERROR. HEED THEIR CRY. ******* This prophecy is now being fulfilled. ******* For details about the source, meaning and fulfillment of this prophetic message go to ******* http://ca.geocities.com/fwagner4/index.html ******* email me at *** [email protected] ***
