cloning-debate
Cloning of human embryo raises debate
MUMBAI, Nov 27/2001:
The successful cloning of a human embryo in the United States has once again raised a debate with doctors not only claiming that it will throw open a new era of research and help in curing several diseases, but also warning that it would have dangerous consequences.
"Scientifically it is a good exercise — but it may lead to multiple problems," feels noted Cardiologist Dr B K Goyal, Head of Department of Cardiology of the Bombay Hospital and Research Centre here. It would help in curing cardiac disorders but the ethical issue is the core of this scientific exercise, he said.
Pioneer of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in India and Head of Inkus IVF center here, Dr Indira Hinduja said that stem cell research is a cutting edge technology that has "definite potential" if it is ethically channelised.
Stem cells are cells which have the ability to give rise to specialised cells — which means specialised organs of the body could be created through them.
However, stem cell research has raised many ethical questions on the prospect of using human embryos in research and making human flesh profitable as its outcome.
But cloning and stem cell research has many advantages also. Cellular damage caused by Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease could be restored, spinal cord injury could be repaired, paralysis due to stroke or accidents could be reverted and healthy cells of the required type could be made to replace dead or malfunctioning tissues.
Even the advanced Cell Technology Inc based in Worcester, Massachusetts, which cloned the single six-celled human embryo said that the experiment will lead to tailored treatments for diseases ranging from Parkinson’s to Juvenile diabetes. Eminent Neurosurgeon Dr Atul Goel said such an extensive research needs to be channellised properly. Stressing that every branch of science has its advantages and disadvantages he cited the example of nuclear science and said, "It can generate power and can make bombs too".
Speaking about the alternate use of this research, Dr Goel, who is attached to the Kem Hospital, said, "today tigers are on the verge of extinction. Either accept it or use cloning to create new tigers so that future generations could know about this majestic animal."
Researchers are of the opinion that stem cell research will also revolutionise the entire process of drug testing. Medicines could now be tested using human stem cell lines and only side-effect free drugs would go for further testing on animals and humans.
Stem cell research could also help in understanding the events that occur during human development. Experts said that it would help in identifying the factors involved in cellular decision making processes that result in cell specialisation.
Since birth defects normally occur due to abnormality in cell specialisation and during cell division, it was felt that a clearer understanding of the processes involved would enable doctors to help prevent those errors, experts said.(UNI)
MUMBAI, Nov 27/2001:
The successful cloning of a human embryo in the United States has once again raised a debate with doctors not only claiming that it will throw open a new era of research and help in curing several diseases, but also warning that it would have dangerous consequences.
"Scientifically it is a good exercise — but it may lead to multiple problems," feels noted Cardiologist Dr B K Goyal, Head of Department of Cardiology of the Bombay Hospital and Research Centre here. It would help in curing cardiac disorders but the ethical issue is the core of this scientific exercise, he said.
Pioneer of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in India and Head of Inkus IVF center here, Dr Indira Hinduja said that stem cell research is a cutting edge technology that has "definite potential" if it is ethically channelised.
Stem cells are cells which have the ability to give rise to specialised cells — which means specialised organs of the body could be created through them.
However, stem cell research has raised many ethical questions on the prospect of using human embryos in research and making human flesh profitable as its outcome.
But cloning and stem cell research has many advantages also. Cellular damage caused by Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease could be restored, spinal cord injury could be repaired, paralysis due to stroke or accidents could be reverted and healthy cells of the required type could be made to replace dead or malfunctioning tissues.
Even the advanced Cell Technology Inc based in Worcester, Massachusetts, which cloned the single six-celled human embryo said that the experiment will lead to tailored treatments for diseases ranging from Parkinson’s to Juvenile diabetes. Eminent Neurosurgeon Dr Atul Goel said such an extensive research needs to be channellised properly. Stressing that every branch of science has its advantages and disadvantages he cited the example of nuclear science and said, "It can generate power and can make bombs too".
Speaking about the alternate use of this research, Dr Goel, who is attached to the Kem Hospital, said, "today tigers are on the verge of extinction. Either accept it or use cloning to create new tigers so that future generations could know about this majestic animal."
Researchers are of the opinion that stem cell research will also revolutionise the entire process of drug testing. Medicines could now be tested using human stem cell lines and only side-effect free drugs would go for further testing on animals and humans.
Stem cell research could also help in understanding the events that occur during human development. Experts said that it would help in identifying the factors involved in cellular decision making processes that result in cell specialisation.
Since birth defects normally occur due to abnormality in cell specialisation and during cell division, it was felt that a clearer understanding of the processes involved would enable doctors to help prevent those errors, experts said.(UNI)
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