Newcastle scientists jump the gun
Scientists in Newcastle have created the UK’s first part-animal part-human embryos, even though MPs have not yet voted to make the research lawful. The embryos were created by inserting human DNA into cows’ eggs. The embryos did not survive beyond three days, according to reports.
The scientists acted under a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. However, the creation of such embryos is a grey area of the law and the Government wants to make it explicitly lawful in its highly-controversial embryos bill currently before parliament. Many MPs oppose the move and the House of Commons has yet to vote on the matter.
This move by Newcastle scientists reminds those who ‘put their trust in scientists’ that there are members of that distinguished community ready to abandon principle when they spot the ‘main chance’.
