British Scientists to Clone Humans
British scientists will soon clone human embryos for medical research. Cloning to create human babies–so-called reproductive cloning–is illegal in Britain, but cloning embryos for medical purposes is permitted.
Reuters reports that Newcastle University researchers will create embryos that could be used to treat conditions such as diabetes, but scientists say it will be at least five years before patients could benefit from their research.
The embryos, which should be perfect genetic copies of their DNA donors, will be destroyed before they are 14 days old. Stem cells derived from these embryos could then be used to treat their genetic “parents”–a process known as therapeutic cloning.
Scientists at Seoul National University in South Korea published the first report of human cloning in February, but this is the first time it’s been permitted in Europe. Attempts to ban such cloning in the U.S. have so far failed, though federal funds cannot be used to support this type of research.
Deep Dive
Uncategorized
Our best illustrations of 2022
Our artists’ thought-provoking, playful creations bring our stories to life, often saying more with an image than words ever could.
How CRISPR is making farmed animals bigger, stronger, and healthier
These gene-edited fish, pigs, and other animals could soon be on the menu.
The Download: the Saudi sci-fi megacity, and sleeping babies’ brains
10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.