Mixed Verdict Against Fake Korean 'Cloner'

So far, 'the Dollies' appear healthier than their namesake

(NEWSER) - Dolly the cloned sheep died seven years ago, but she lives on in four new clones. “The Dollies,” exact genetic copies of their namesake, were cloned by the scientist behind the research that produced Dolly herself. “Dolly is alive and well. Genetically these are Dolly,” Keith Campbell tells the Daily Mail . Whereas it took 227 eggs to produce a surviving lamb—Dolly—the first time around, this time each Dolly needed only five embryos. More»

Former employees allege fraud, grueling physical trials

(NEWSER) - Former employees of a worldwide yoga chain allege its founder is actually the leader of a cult that demands cash and torturous exercise from those caught in its spell. Dahn Yoga, founded by Ilchi Lee, operates more than 100 locations in the US and more than 1,000 internationally, and promises to “restore the vibrations of the body and brain to their original, healthy frequencies.” Not so, the workers say. It is, instead, a “a totalistic, high-demand cult group.” More»

Cause of death a mystery

(NEWSER) - One of of the world's first two cloned wolves has died due to unknown causes, reports the Korea Times. Snuwolf, 4, was found dead at South Korea's national zoo. Her identical sister, Snuwolffy, remains healthy. "Snuwolf had been in good condition," said Prof. Shin Nam-sik, a leader of the team that cloned the pair. "Wild animals often die suddenly. We will know the cause of death with the results of the autopsy." More»

Plus, old friends Macca and Brooke weigh in

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson “was hoping that Michael Jackson could live forever,” his chauffeur tells the Mirror. “Michael said he wanted a mini-version of himself cloned to carry on his legacy.” The singer became obsessed with the idea after learning about a religious sect that believes cloning is the key to eternal life. Elsewhere:

• Paul McCartney has some words—albeit not too harsh—for Jackson’s allegedly abusive father, reports the Sun. “I don’t want to judge but I do think that contributed to some of the problems Michael might have had," he says.

First clone died soon after birth

(NEWSER) - The buffalo has now joined sheep, camels, and wolves among the ranks of the cloned, Discover reports. Scientists at India’s National Dairy Research Institute first cloned a buffalo in February, but it died soon after its birth. They’ve now cloned another: Garima, a 95-pound female. The ability to clone could help build a buffalo population with choice features—like tasty milk and meat. More»