American fertility expert claims his team will have first proof of cloned humans
By Sarah-Kate Templeton, Health Editor
Race to clone the first human being intensifies
The race to clone the first human being intensifies this weekend as American fertility expert Dr Panos Zavos claims his team is set to clone babies for seven infertile couples in the first two weeks of the new year.
Dismissing claims of a rival cloning champion
Zavos dismisses claims by rival cloning champion Professor Severino Antinori of Rome that a cloned baby will be born in January, pointing out that there is no evidence of such a feat. And he insists that his group will extract DNA samples from the cloned embryos at an early stage to prove to the world that they have been created from just one person.
Working with a well-known animal cloning expert
The Scottish Sunday has also learned that a well-known animal cloning expert and professor at a European university is working with Zavos. The professor, who does not want to be identified at this stage, has met with Zavos in Cyprus to plan the cloning program. He is also understood to have traveled with Zavos to the secret locations where cloning will take place.
The crucial cloning procedure
The professor will carry out the same crucial cloning procedure used to create Dolly the sheep. The technique, called nuclear transfer, involves taking the nucleus from the cell of the person being cloned and fusing it with an empty donated human egg, resulting in a cloned embryo.
Storing cells and using donated eggs
Zavos claims to have already taken cells from the seven people who are to be cloned. These cells are presently being stored in liquid nitrogen at the secret locations where the cloning is to take place. The eggs, which will have their own genetic material removed, will be donated by women living near the locations in developing countries. The eggs used will be from young women to ensure the greatest chance of success.
Nuclear transfer and implantation
For each of the seven individuals, some men and some women, Zavos will attempt nuclear transfer in 40 eggs and hopes for success with 10 embryos in each case. He will then study the quality of the embryos and implant the strongest.
The quest for proof
Zavos claims that written plans are in place to carry out DNA tests on the embryos to prove that they are actually clones. He believes that the world deserves concrete evidence and that he will not announce a cloned embryo unless he can prove it.
The Cloning Debate: Ethical Implications and Public Response
The prospect of human cloning raises ethical concerns and has ignited a heated public debate. While the scientific community moves closer to replicating human beings, society grapples with the potential consequences.
The Ethical Quandary
Cloning humans raises a range of ethical and moral questions. Critics argue that it infringes upon the natural order, while others fear the potential for abuse, such as creating individuals for spare organs. Furthermore, cloning challenges our understanding of identity, individuality, and the sanctity of life.
The Public Response
Society's response to human cloning has been mixed. Some individuals view it as a scientific breakthrough, offering hope for infertile couples and potential medical advancements. Others voice concerns about the unknown long-term effects and the ethical implications of playing with nature.
The Role of Regulation
Currently, human cloning is not allowed in the UK or the US. However, this hasn't stopped scientists from pursuing their research abroad, where laws may be more permissive. As the scientific community pushes boundaries, governments worldwide grapple with the need for regulation.
A Call for International Dialogue
Given the complex nature of human cloning, it is essential for countries to engage in a global conversation. International consensus and collaboration are vital to establishing ethical guidelines and ensuring responsible research practices.