Wednesday, March 17, 2004
| Topic: |
Embryonic Stem Cell Chimera Research: What is it? What are its benefits? What concerns does it raise? |
| Presenter: |
Mark Mercola, Ph.D.
Professor, Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, The Burnham Institute
Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Pathology, UCSD |
| Location: |
Medical Teaching Facility (MTF) 175 |
Presentation
Abstract
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Our aim will be to examine the promise of this research in the context of moral (and possibly biological) concerns about creating interspecies beings. |
Discussion
Questions: |
Some issues for discussion:
- What is chimera research and why do we want to do it?
- What is the source of moral unease with such research? What moral boundaries does the creation of chimeras, or interspecies beings, breach?
- Is species identity fixed biologically or are the boundaries between species fluid?
- Given the genetic similarity between Homo Sapiens and other species, what makes human and nonhuman hybrids morally problematic?
- Lastly, how are reasonable concerns about crossing species boundaries to be weighed against the possible benefits of this research?
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Discussion
Summary: |
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| Readings: |
- Rosenthal, N. Prometheus's Vulture and the Stem-Cell Promise. NEJM Vol. 349, No. 3. 2003. pp. 267-274
- Robert, J.S. Crossing Species Boundaries. American Journal of Bioethics Vol. 3, No. 3. 2003
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