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November 22, 2008 2:44:27 AM CST

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UK Approves Research on Human-Animal Embryos

Posted May 20, 08 3:40 AM CDT in World,  Science & Health 

(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."  

Source Daily Telegraph (UK)

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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.   (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.   (AP Photo)
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genetics • stem cells • stem cell research • genetic research • embryo • human embryos • fetus


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