Chimeras...mixing species in a blender.

[korbel]

Hello all,

I was reading the Boston Globe today about how scientists are attempting to blend the genes of humans with that of animals. "The proposed ''humanzee" would fuse chimpanzee and human embryos, possibly creating an animal stronger and hairier than a human, but smarter than a chimp." If I wasn't packing for Montreal tonight I would indulge in a very long negative opinion about the immorality of this process. To be very brief: I find it absolutely incredible that the state of human morality could find justification in creating new life forms like a blender creates cocktails. What are our values coming to?????????????? Please excuse me, but I thought this was worth bringing to your attention so that you may offer a point of view if you wish.

Insanity,

Korbel

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/health_science/articles/2005/04/19/how_to_make_a_chimera/

 

[LikesCats]

While I have no doubt that "geniuses" locked away somewhere in some nuclear-proof underground bunker are busily creating "Frankencritters". I also have to admit that the linked article is rather vague and reads more like a tabloid piece.

That said, I share your feelings about our race's ability to grasp the big picture, as these creatures are being brought into existence solely with commerce in mind. Pharmaceuticals are already "patenting" mice...in the blink of an eye they'll be patenting "Homo Organis" so that China doesn't have to harvest body parts from inmates.

Blade Runner anyone? That's just the ip of the iceberg.

 

[Fat Happy Buddha]

Hello all,

I was reading the Boston Globe today about how scientists are attempting to blend the genes of humans with that of animals. "The proposed ''humanzee" would fuse chimpanzee and human embryos, possibly creating an animal stronger and hairier than a human, but smarter than a chimp."

Insanity,

Korbel

Look at the bright side. Maybe they will create an "chimpanescort" with the body of a HDH escort and the intellect of a monkey. That way you will be able to pay for your dates with bananas.

 

[korbel]

Lol

Look at the bright side. Maybe they will create an "chimpanescort" with the body of a HDH escort and the intellect of a monkey. That way you will be able to pay for your dates with bananas.

Hello FHB,

YOU BAD...Better not identify yourself when you call them after this comment...lol!

Happy Hunting,

Korbel

 

[Ben Dover]

yes... and they will do our manual labour, serve us, clean our toilettes etc... Until one day, after years of biding their time, when their numbers have grown to be more than our own --- then, they will take over and WE will be the slaves. Oh wait, that's the robots, not the man-chimps. Never mind... I think it's great.

BD

 

[Kepler]

I was reading the Boston Globe today about how scientists are attempting to blend the genes of humans with that of animals.

So they want to blend some cells in a petri dish. Big deal.

Sounds like a good idea if it will lead to cures for diseases which affect real people.

 

[EagerBeaver]

There is a very interesting novel written on this subject called "Chromosome 6" by Robin Cook, the Harvard educated medical doctor. It's probably Cook's best book, outside of "Coma." The premise of the book is genetically engineering or splicing chromosomes of humans with apes in order to create a genetically engineered ape that can be used as a "perfect" organ transplant donor for the human. That's the intent of the experiment, but it goes badly awry, and what ends up happening is the horrifying creation of a new species of animal. If you want to know more, go and buy the book. It's shocking and disturbing, because there are probably some people out there engaging in these kinds of experiments with a view towards profiting from the results (as was the case with the unfortunate characters in the book).