Human-Animal Chimeras to Revolutionize Organ Transplants or Challenge Humanity’s Ethics?

Japan has approved experiments to create human-animal embryos, also known as chimeras. The goal of these experiments is to grow human organs inside animals for transplant into humans. 

• Human stem cells are injected into an animal embryo that lacks a specific organ
• The embryo is implanted into a surrogate animal for gestation
• The resulting animal has organs made of human cellsHiromitsu Nakauchi is a stem-cell scientist at the University of Tokyo and Stanford University who leads the research.  This research could revolutionize organ transplants, which are in high demand due to a shortage of donor organs. 
  • Some worry that human cells could affect the animal's brain development, potentially creating beings with advanced cognitive abilities
  Others argue that these experiments defy the natural order and challenge moral and religious beliefs