Japan approves human-animal embryo experiments

Japan has become the first country to allow the birthing of human-animal embryos to create human organs.

Experts at the Science Ministry approved a proposal by University of Tokyo researcher Hiromitsu Nakauchi to grow human stem cells in mouse, rat and pig embryos and then transplant those cells into another animal, according to Nature magazine.

Bioethicists say the research could have unintended consequences if some of the human cells were transferred to the animal’s brain. Nakauchi told Nature, however, that the interventions are designed to only affect the organ that he plans to grow.

Nakauchi hopes to eventually create animals with complete human organs that could be transferred into a human body.

Human cells have been grown in animal embryos in other countries. However, none of those embryos were brought to term.

Via DW