Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

UK Approves Research on Human-Animal Embryos

Hybrids will be used for stem cell study

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2008 3:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – British legislators have voted to allow scientists to create hybrid human-animal embryos for stem cell research, the Daily Telegraph reports. The new laws will give British scientists more freedom to pursue hybrid research than those of any other country. The vote passed by a huge margin after supporters of the research argued that it could someday save millions of lives.

Religious leaders had spoken out strongly against allowing the embryos to be created, and some lawmakers remain firmly opposed. "No other country is going down this route," said one. "In these terms in embryology we would almost be like a rogue state. We cannot and should not be spliced together with the animal kingdom."  

This image made available by the stem cell biology laboratory at King's College University in London shows neural stem cells derived from a foetal brain.
This image made available by the stem cell biology laboratory at King's College University in London shows neural stem cells derived from a foetal brain.   (AP Photo)
This undated image made available by the stem cell biology laboratory at King's College University in London shows neural stem cells derived a foetal brain.
This undated image made available by the stem cell biology laboratory at King's College University in London shows neural stem cells derived a foetal brain.   (AP Photo)
This image made available by the stem cell biology laboratory at King's College University in London shows lung cells that have been produced from human ES cells.
This image made available by the stem cell biology laboratory at King's College University in London shows lung cells that have been produced from human ES cells.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Oklahoma Bill Would Ban Fetuses in Food

Scientists Turn Stem Cells Into Working Sperm

Scientists: We Can Make Pigs Grow Human Organs

Court Overturns Stem Cell Ban

Paralyzed Patient Undergoes Stem Cell Experiment


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne