CHIMAERAS
- ENVIRONMENT
News: The chimaeras of nature and their
promise to grow human organs | Explained
What's
in the news?
●
At present, more than 3 lakh people are
waiting for an organ transplant in India alone; the global number is far
higher, with no respite in sight.
●
There is an alarming disparity in the
number of organ donors and the number of recipients – and animals have played
an important part in filling this gap.
Chimaeras:
●
Chimaeras are organisms that are made up of the cells of two distinct species.
●
For instance, if this hybrid embryo
is placed in the womb of a monkey, it could possibly grow into a new kind of
animal.
Research:
●
Scientists have injected human stem cells (cells that have the
ability to develop into many different body tissues) into the macaque monkey
embryos. This integration created a chimeric tool.
Purpose
of Chimera Research:
Researchers believe that
the ability to grow cells of two different species together helps scientists in
research and Medicine such as:
●
Advancing current understanding about
early human development.
●
Understanding disease onset and
progression.
●
Drug evaluation.
●
Address the critical need for organ
transplantation.
Concerns
Regarding Chimera Research:
1.
Moral Dilemma:
●
Humans are widely thought to have a higher
moral status than other animals. But human-animal chimeras blur this line.
These Chimeras are not fully human nor fully non-human.
2.
Survival Issues:
●
Some rare hybrid animals exist naturally
probably as a result of unintentional cross-breeding between animals of
different species.
●
However, generally different species don’t
cross-breed. But if they do, their offspring don’t survive for long and are
prone to infertility.
3.
Issue of Infertility:
●
Mules are an example of a hybrid animal
that is the result of mating between a female horse and a male donkey.
●
Mules can live a long healthy life. But
they are infertile which means that they cannot have offspring of their own.
4.
Injustice Against Animals for Human Needs:
●
Chimera research has the potential to
worsen injustice against animals as it is being done to meet human needs.