UK: Q&A: Hybrid embryos

May 17, 2007

Why are human-animal embryos in the news?

Researchers at three UK universities want to create human-animal embryos in order to develop new treatments for incurable diseases. But their research has prompted sensational headlines about “Frankenbunnies”, which have provoked widespread alarm. A government white paper published in December after public consultation announced that the creation of chimeras – an organism consisting of at least two genetically different kinds of tissue – and other kinds of interspecies embryos would be banned. (Guardian Unlimited)