Since the mid-1990s, cloning has fascinated scientists, beginning with Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell in 1996. While animal cloning has advanced significantly, applying the same methods to humans remains highly controversial because of both ethical concerns and major scientific risks. Researchers have only managed limited progress so far, such as creating human embryo models from stem cells and cloning primates using fetal rather than adult cells.
Startup Explores Brain-Free Bodies for Organ Harvesting
Despite these barriers, some researchers are pursuing far more radical ideas. One example is R3 Bio, a secretive startup backed by billionaire funding. The company recently revealed plans to raise money for creating non-sentient monkey “organ sacks” — bodies containing all major organs except the brain — intended as a source of transplantable tissues and an alternative to animal testing.
However, an investigation by MIT Technology Review reported that the company’s founders may be aiming much further: developing full brainless human clones that could someday serve as replacement bodies for sick or aging people by receiving transplanted brains. By preventing brain development, the concept attempts to sidestep some of the ethical issues tied to consciousness.
Moral Concerns Intensify Around Brainless Clone Debate
Even so, the idea raises enormous moral concerns. While R3 Bio has publicly denied any plans to create non-sentient human clones, cofounder Alice Gilman acknowledged that the team still discusses futuristic possibilities involving such bodies.
Scientists are also skeptical that the idea could ever work biologically. Experts point to legal barriers, safety risks, and the lack of technologies such as artificial wombs. Some also note the ethical difficulty of asking a surrogate to carry an intentionally abnormal fetus.
Still, founder John Schloendorn appears committed to exploring the concept, reportedly discussing it privately with investors and researchers for years. He has argued that the company hopes to pursue the work in ways that deliver early societal benefits, while remaining open to abandoning it if it cannot be done safely.
Read the original article on:tech.yahoo
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