Comments on: Rare cattle and human hybrids http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html Science Blog from Freelance Science Writer David Bradley Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:18:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: JP Cooks http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html/comment-page-1#comment-84444 JP Cooks Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:17:36 +0000 http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html#comment-84444 I see your point, David. I wonder how competitive are the people doing this research, is there any chance for co-operation? If a collective effort is made "for the benefit of all mankind", then individuals from private sector and academics from different institutions and faculties like sociology, philosophy and natural sciences, even economists (representatives of all affected by the outcomes, basically) could form a body to assess progress on wholistic principles, thereby reducing the crippling effects of tunnel-vision. A matter of good governance with some organizing, I suppose? There is another possibility: Agreements with institutions in the third world where limitations are not as strict and costs are likely to be lower. They'll rush at the opportunity to get on the map and it's also "politically correct" to boost them a bit. Polish your image... I see your point, David. I wonder how competitive are the people doing this research, is there any chance for co-operation? If a collective effort is made “for the benefit of all mankind”, then individuals from private sector and academics from different institutions and faculties like sociology, philosophy and natural sciences, even economists (representatives of all affected by the outcomes, basically) could form a body to assess progress on wholistic principles, thereby reducing the crippling effects of tunnel-vision. A matter of good governance with some organizing, I suppose?

There is another possibility: Agreements with institutions in the third world where limitations are not as strict and costs are likely to be lower. They’ll rush at the opportunity to get on the map and it’s also “politically correct” to boost them a bit. Polish your image…

]]> By: David Bradley http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html/comment-page-1#comment-83933 David Bradley Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:31:28 +0000 http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html#comment-83933 Indeed! The trouble is that those with the power tend not to be scientifically educated to any serious level and don't necessarily understand the scientific as opposed to the ethical issues. This lack of understanding means that they generally cannot have a fully informed opinion based on the science, which is a huge worry. Indeed! The trouble is that those with the power tend not to be scientifically educated to any serious level and don’t necessarily understand the scientific as opposed to the ethical issues. This lack of understanding means that they generally cannot have a fully informed opinion based on the science, which is a huge worry.

]]> By: JP Cooks http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html/comment-page-1#comment-83931 JP Cooks Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:11:30 +0000 http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html#comment-83931 Even a 1% chance of success with this type of research, makes it worthwhile. Yes, the idea of mad scientists creating monsters is valid, as are the ethical questions. I believe we have a God-given intelligence that should be used for the benefit of all, and the obligation to do so. Which basically brings us to the point that the entire process should be closely overseen by open-minded but ethically aware leaders. There are hundreds of projects more dangerous than this (physically and ethically), running across the globe, simply because we believe they have the necessary benefits, or because they are not blown up by the media. Even a 1% chance of success with this type of research, makes it worthwhile. Yes, the idea of mad scientists creating monsters is valid, as are the ethical questions. I believe we have a God-given intelligence that should be used for the benefit of all, and the obligation to do so. Which basically brings us to the point that the entire process should be closely overseen by open-minded but ethically aware leaders. There are hundreds of projects more dangerous than this (physically and ethically), running across the globe, simply because we believe they have the necessary benefits, or because they are not blown up by the media.

]]> By: David Bradley http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html/comment-page-1#comment-54769 David Bradley Fri, 05 Jan 2007 08:13:17 +0000 http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/rare-cattle-and-human-hybrids.html#comment-54769 In December 2006, the UK published a so-called "White Paper" that proposed initially outlawing the creation of these hybrid embryos, whether human-cattle or human rabbit. However, supporters of the technique, say that important research into human diseases will be jeopardized by such a ban. The researchers have made a plea to the Government and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), ahead of a decision to be made Wednesday 10th January. They have called for greater understanding of what they are trying to achieve, PA reports (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6324247,00.html) In December 2006, the UK published a so-called “White Paper” that proposed initially outlawing the creation of these hybrid embryos, whether human-cattle or human rabbit.

However, supporters of the technique, say that important research into human diseases will be jeopardized by such a ban. The researchers have made a plea to the Government and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), ahead of a decision to be made Wednesday 10th January. They have called for greater understanding of what they are trying to achieve, PA reports (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6324247,00.html)

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