DNA: Ethics of Mixing Human Genes With Animals

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Recently, there was an editorial about mixing the genes of an animal to possibly create animals with human characteristics, an idea inspired by H. G. Wells’ book “The Island of Doctor Moreau”. This book made the readers think critically and outside of the box to imagine the types of “beast folks” that were in the book. What was once thought of as a great fictional novel is now being produced into actuality. Scientists believe that they can create animals with human characteristics so that they can use them for research on diseases: types of cancer, also human stem cell research, and these animals are used to learn to treat human blood clots. Without strict regulations on scientists on the subject of DNA mixing, another cycle of evolution could develop which would put the whole world at risk.

In the editorial under the nature website it says that scientists are discussing the consequences of taking the extreme step of allowing technology mix these species together, including introducing human cells to animal’s bodies. In a report by the UK Academy of Medical Sciences in London, they stated that they were taking action that would “lead the pioneering legislation specifically geared towards regulating research on animals containing human material.”(Nature.com). Although this report was done, it clearly states that these techniques are not stable enough yet to be used ethically. This embraces the extensive humanization of the monkey brain and the development of embryos that mix DNA from humans and non-human primates. Legislation needs to step in and make a difference in the science world because it obviously seems as if these scientists just want to do research rather than research in an ethical manor.

“The country has some of the world's most stringent laws on the welfare of research animals, but also some of the most rational regulations for research using human embryonic stem cells”(Nature.com). The fact that this country holds some regulations and just chooses to when to apply them fully is a concept that cannot be understood. In Canada the human-animal hybrids are outlawed under the Assisted Reproduction Act(CBC.ca).  Scientists in London are not only potentially putting the animals in great danger of suffering but also putting those around it in deadly circumstances. The benefit of finding medicines for the human population is very important, but to what extent is this acceptable?

An example of an experiment involving the mixing of animal and humans cells consist of mice implanted with sections of human tumor cancer research to study how cancers develop and spread, and to test new drugs and therapies. A procedure like this is said to be a very simple and painless action. The fact that they are not doing these procedures on themselves shows how the scientists do not know the harm that is being done to these small innocent creatures. Another example of experimentation on an animal is when the researches introduce human stem cells into rats to study the human brain’s potential for repairing damage caused by stroke. A question that floats around this subject is why humans have the right to use animals as testing patients as if there is nothing wrong with it. Experts and other members of the public have yet to come up with a reasonable answer towards where to draw the line with this issue. Of course researchers would like to keep finding new answers for the sake of mankind. The public also has their side where humans shouldn’t have the right to make decisions for animals that are most likely against being tested.

Researching through animals is one thing, but doing experimental tests on them by implanting a gene or basically putting its life in risk is another. Scientists need to follow these regulations because they have been put in place for a reason. If one of the tests goes wrong and the these scientists claim that the animal is fine, when in reality the animal has changed slightly to where it can now breed offspring with human characteristics, then we could have a huge problem. If this happened, then that means there could be another period of evolution developing right in front of our eyes, but yet will not be noticeable.

Works Cited

Abbott, Alison. "Regulations Proposed for Animal–human Chimaeras : Nature News." Nature
Publishing Group : Science Journals, Jobs, and Information. Nature, 21 July 2011. Web. 8 Oct. 2011
News, Cbc. "Human, Animal DNA Mixing Needs Oversight - Health - CBC News." CBC.ca - Canadian News Sports Entertainment Kids Docs Radio TV. CBC News, 22 July 2011. Web. 8 Oct. 2011.
"The Legacy of Doctor Moreau : Nature : Nature Publishing Group." Nature Publishing Group : Science Journals, Jobs, and Information. Nature, 22 July 2011. Web. 8 Oct. 2011.