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Cloning Yields Human-Rabbit Hybrid Embryo

Posted by michael on from the watership-now dept.

ralphb writes "Here is the story of scientists in China who have, for the first time, used cloning techniques to create hybrid embryos that contain a mix of DNA from both humans and rabbits. Hop on over for a look!"

4 of 655 comments (clear)

  1. In Soviet Russia by muirhead · · Score: 0, Troll
    In Soviet Russia rabbit human hybrids clone you.

    (I really am so very sorry.)

    1. Re:In Soviet Russia by CoolVibe · · Score: 0, Troll
      s/Soviet Russia/Communist China

      Let's keep it on topic :)

  2. Re:This is just the sort of thing... by Snjit · · Score: 0, Troll

    The US will ban the research and the rest of the world will go on to advance science.

    Of course then the corporations will find a way to patent others' work and reap the benefits anyway without any of the political backlash of doing the research in the first place.

  3. Re:God, I've seen a lot of crap movies.... by pmz · · Score: 1, Troll

    Anyone who maintains that a fertilized egg is not a human being doesn't know biology, or is lying.

    A fertilized human egg, even one that has developed into a little clump of cells, is not a human being. The cells in the early embryo are not differentated into the various tissues that make up the human body, so, at this stage of the game, squashing the little clump of cells is no different than picking your nose and baking the boogers in the microwave (obviously killing thousands of cells from your nose lining).

    After the clump of cells develops further, the issue gradually becomes less black and white. At the point where basic tissue development start occurring, the fetus is not discernible from that of most mammals, and, regardless of DNA, most mammals do not have "inalienable rights". There doesn't seem to be a significant moral problem at this stage. At least, killing the fetus is no different than hunting a deer, and spontaneous first-trimester abortions are very common among women, indicating that Mother Nature shares this philosophy.

    When the main part of the brain is developing, and the nervous system is fleshed out, then there is a clear situation of "cruel and unusual punishment" involved regarding abortion. For example, any person that has no moral problems with third-trimester abortions needs to re-think their position.

    So, your argument about humans being human from day one can only have a basis in religious faith, which is a fallacy.

    --
    Healthcare article at Kuro5hin