Posted Feb 06, 2008 at 01:29AM by Ryan A. Listed in: Genetics Tags: Newcastle University, DNA, Muscular Dystrophy
Ó

British scientists create human embryos from two women, one man - Image 1A team of British scientists being funded by the charity organization Muscular Dystrophy Campaign claims that they have created several human embryos with DNA from two women and a man.

According to team member Patrick Chinnery, a professor of neurogenetics at Newcastle University, the study aims to create embryos in the future that is free from inherited diseases.

As expected, the study has attracted the attention of several cause-oriented groups. Detractors of the experiment reasoned that this will eventually lead to a moral and religious debate when genetically modified babies start showing up.

While the study has yet to be published, it had already been presented in a conference. Chinnery defended their team and said that they are no where near that scenario. He added, "We are not trying to alter genes, we're just trying to swap a small proportion of the bad ones for some good ones."

The experiment tinkers with cells' energy source, mitochondria, which can be found outside the nucleus in a normal female egg. When the genetic code at this point is messed up, it would result to various diseases like muscular dystrophy and mental retardation.

European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology fertility expert Francoise Shenfield commented, "If successful, this research could give families who might otherwise have a bleak future a chance to avoid some very grave diseases."

Once the procedure has proven to work, a bill that will regulate it as a therapy for couples will be discussed in the British House of Commons by March.


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5 Comments


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   by exionzero - 2008-02-06
 » .

I hate all these god-damned activists who complain about the genetic modification of humans... who does it harm at the end of the day?

in most cases these experiments are for the greater good, not some nefarious evil scheme. If scientists could eradicate mental retardation and other illnesses then, in the very least, the internet forums of the future would be worth visiting.

I jest (rather tastelessly).

I applaud these scientists.


   Re: Koolaidsred1 - 2008-02-06
 » couldnt have said it any better...

agreed but your forgetting one thing my friend.... You seem smart (not insulting) but you know what religion is and I'm pretty sure you know that these damn religious people say we are playing "God" and that we have no right to create any life.... I say Fu CK those religious pigs that try and hold us in the 17th century and let them(scientist) do their damn *****ing job.

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   Re: Powerslave89 - 2008-02-06
 » Agreed

Their work is for the better and not for the worse it can bring an end to illnesses that have been around for ages but the religious groups and others will try to stop whats going on because like Koolaidsred1 has said they believe we are playing god and that human lives should be created naturally. i totally agree with the fact that it is the 21st century and we should move on and not let any religion or other things at that matter get in the way of bettering the way we live.

   Re: Silver-Tiger - 2008-02-07
 » ...

I soo much agree with you Koolaidsred1 .
   by ICED®AGON °±° - 2008-02-16
 » ...

me too. science ftw!



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