Human-animal hybrid created amid 'Frankenstein' warnings
Scientists in the UK have reportedly created more than 150 human-animal hybrid embryos in controversial secretive lab experiments that spread over three years, The Daily Mail has reported.
The stunning revelation has come just a day after a committee of researchers urged for rules governing the creation and use of such hybrid embryos, warning of a ‘Planet of the Apes’ scenario.
The experiment that sounds straight out of a science fiction movie has been described by campaigners as 'dabbling in the grotesque' and has raised concerns about the creation of a ‘Frankenstein-like’ monster if it goes wrong.
While these types of experiments don’t seem likely, some researchers argue they could be valuable, the Associated Press reports.
Scientists claim this legalised the creation of hybrids which includes a primate egg fertilised by a human sperm can be used to develop embryonic stem cells which can be used to treat a range of incurable illnesses.
According to The Daily Mail, three labs in the UK were granted licences to carry out the research after the Act came into force but all have now stopped creating hybrid embryos due to a lack of funding.
These labs were at King’s College London, Newcastle University and Warwick University.
The Academy of Medical Sciences has asked for a regulatory body to closely monitor any experiments that risk creating animals with human-like traits or giving animals any appearance or behavioural attributes to resemble humans.
Human-animal hybrids are also reportedly created in other countries, many of which have little or no regulation.
