Jan 27 2025 88 mins 2
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
