Monkeys, Mitochondria, and the Human Germline

September 21, 2009

Researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center recently announced the birth of four monkeys after a procedure that involved swapping the genetic material of one egg into another. An article in Nature and a conference call briefing with reporters resulted in dozens of news stories in outlets around the world. But few accurately captured the significance of the study or the way the researchers are promoting it. (Bioethics Forum)