Are Mice with Human Brain Cells Ethically Acceptable?

In summary, "Mice with human brain cells" are laboratory mice that have been genetically modified to have human brain cells incorporated into their brains. They are created through xenotransplantation and serve the purpose of allowing scientists to study human brain functions and diseases in a more accurate and ethical manner. While there are ethical concerns surrounding their creation, they are strictly used for research purposes. Using these mice, scientists have gained a better understanding of human brain development, brain disorders, and potential treatments, as well as studying drug effectiveness and toxicity.
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Ivan Seeking
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By injecting human embryonic stem cells into the brains of fetal mice inside the womb, scientists in California have created living mice with working human brain cells inside their skulls.[continued]
http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/health/s_403491.html [Broken]
 
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COOL, heh that should be the first article of the M&B journal readings.
 
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This is a controversial and ethically complex development in the field of stem cell research. While it is impressive that scientists have been able to create mice with functioning human brain cells, there are many ethical considerations that must be taken into account. The use of human embryonic stem cells raises questions about the source of these cells and the potential destruction of human embryos. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential consequences of mixing human and animal cells, both for the animals themselves and for potential implications on human health. It is important for further research to be conducted with careful consideration of these ethical concerns and for strict regulations to be in place to ensure the responsible use of this technology.
 

1. What are "Mice with human brain cells"?

"Mice with human brain cells" refers to a type of laboratory mouse that has been genetically modified to have human brain cells incorporated into its brain. This allows scientists to study human brain functions and diseases in a more accurate and ethical manner.

2. How are "Mice with human brain cells" created?

"Mice with human brain cells" are created through a process called xenotransplantation, where human brain cells are transplanted into the developing brains of mouse embryos. The resulting mice have a mixture of both human and mouse brain cells.

3. What is the purpose of creating "Mice with human brain cells"?

The purpose of creating "Mice with human brain cells" is to allow scientists to study human brain functions and diseases in a more accurate and ethical manner. These mice can help researchers understand the mechanisms behind various brain disorders and potentially develop more effective treatments.

4. Are there any ethical concerns about creating "Mice with human brain cells"?

Yes, there are ethical concerns surrounding the creation of "Mice with human brain cells." Some people argue that it is unethical to give animals human-like brain functions and potentially subject them to human diseases. However, these mice are strictly used for research purposes and are not intended to be used for any other purposes.

5. What have scientists learned from using "Mice with human brain cells" in research?

Scientists have learned a lot from using "Mice with human brain cells" in research. They have gained a better understanding of human brain development, the mechanisms behind brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and potential treatments for these disorders. These mice have also been used to study drug effectiveness and toxicity in a more accurate and ethical manner.

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