UK Opens Door to Work With Hybrid Embryos

LONDON - The UK regulator has agreed to the generation of human/animal hybrid embryos for stem cell research, paving the way for it to consider two applications for licenses to conduct such research.

The move follows from extensive and lengthy deliberations, and a series of open consultations. The meeting at which the regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) made the decision was held publicly.

Two research teams, at Newcastle University and King's College, London, have applied for permission to make hybrids, which involves fusing an adult human cell nucleus with the shell of an enucleated animal egg. Scientists hope the technique will help make up for the shortage of human eggs that are available for stem cell research.

In accordance with a long-standing law, any embryos created through this method would have to be destroyed after 14 days.

<a href="http://www.bioworld.com/servlet/com.accumedia.web.Dispatcher?next=bioWorldHeadlines_article&forceid=45389">
UK Opens Door to Work With Hybrid Embryos
</a> (bioworld.com)