Looks like human cloning is very close to becoming reality (Wired article)

[Fausto]

Seven Days of Creation.

The results of the experiment pose a challenge to a widely embraced report published by Gerald Schatten, reproductive science professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Last April, he wrote that using current techniques, human cloning would be almost impossible due to errors in early cell division, which are caused by removing the nucleus of the egg.

Lanza's experiments seem to show otherwise. One of his embryos divided successfully to at least 16 cells. That means he has found not simply a path to stem cells, but made a significant if unintended step toward human cloning. After all, if thriving clone embryos can grow to 16 cells and beyond in a lab, those cells could theoretically be tested for genetic abnormalities (as they routinely are in IVF procedures) and then be implanted in a uterus - reproductive cloning. Lanza insists he's not going there, but others surely will.

Ethics issues aside: the scientific and medical ramifications of a ready-made supply of stem cells are staggering. Think of all the people in wheelchairs who may yet walk again.

 

[Entity]

Ethics issues aside: the scientific and medical ramifications of a ready-made supply of stem cells are staggering. Think of all the people in wheelchairs who may yet walk again.

It's a huge can of worms, but as a diabetic, I have a lot to profit from, scientifically speaking.

Good article, though it did seem like the writer was trying to push the genetic cloning angle more than the therapeutic cloning.

Rob

 

[Nitemare]

Didn't they already clone this Canadian chick?

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Entity

Ethics issues aside: the scientific and medical ramifications of a ready-made supply of stem cells are staggering. Think of all the people in wheelchairs who may yet walk again.

It's a huge can of worms, but as a diabetic, I have a lot to profit from, scientifically speaking.

Yup and yup. The more powerful the "tool" the greater the potential for abuse (re: atomic energy).

Good article, though it did seem like the writer was trying to push the genetic cloning angle more than the therapeutic cloning.

Rob

Maybe true, but theraputic cloning is really the bigger issue IMO. For every one childless couple who (for reasons unfathomable to me) want to clone mommy or daddy and create a "child" there are 10,000 people like you who would really just like a properly functioning pancreas. 😉

 

[Avatar26]

<Mr. Burns> Excellent! </Mr. Burns>😀
Very good read, and I am interested to see how this develops on the therapeutic level.

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

And then my unstoppable army of clone troopers will rule the universe! Hmm, did I say that out loud?

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: FeathersMcGraw
And then my unstoppable army of clone troopers will rule the universe! Hmm, did I say that out loud?

I know you're kidding, but it's sad that most people, upon hearing the word "cloning", immediately think someone's going to clone an army of SuperSoldiers and kill us all.

 

[sandmanwake]

Actually, upon hearing the word cloning, I think of the armies of women I will have for my whims and pleasures.