True science is creative. Imaginative and resourceful minds show us that ethical boundaries don’t inhibit productive research. Scientists on a quest to study cystic fibrosis found that genetic mutations in mice could not replicate the disease as it is expressed in humans, so they turned to pigs. Yet, even the genetically altered pigs were not able to inherit full blown cystic fibrosis. That didn’t stop them either. Thinking outside the petri dish offered a solution. Relying on natural reproduction - good old -fashioned breeding, the Iowa researchers are expecting their first batch of baby pigs with cystic fibrosis any time now. These little piggies with cystic fibrosis will pretty closely model their human counterparts.
The moral of the story? Even on the quest to save lives, real science need not destroy embryonic humans.
Read the story, here.
this is horrible
talk about animal testing
i get that its good for people and everyting but there would have had to be some other way to do it then use harmless pigs
any way its good news still just not the best for the animals
Comment by paris — November 3, 2008 @ 6:39 am |
Typical human arrogance. Did anyone notice the statement that pigs are incredibly similar to humans in their physiological systems? I guess that means they can suffer like humans too. It might interest you to know that in studies pigs have been found to have a high level of intelligence and emotional expression, social awareness, and a myriad of other advanced cognitive, emotional and social skills.
I don’t want people to suffer – God knows we suffer enough, but these animals are innocent and have been given into our care, to protect and nurture, not to dominate, destroy and torture. There must be another way, we have only to find it. But the truth is, we won’t because we think God only cares about human suffering.
Comment by Leslie — July 25, 2009 @ 4:13 pm |