Chinese scientists insert human brain gene into monkeys, sparking ethical debate. - NBCNewsMACH
. And since the human and monkey versions of MCPH1 are slightly different, scientists think the gene may be partly responsible for humans’ high intelligence.In the study, the scientists added the human version of MCPH1 to 11 embryos that would become rhesus macaques, dirty-blond monkeys that share about 93 percent of their DNA with humans. The so-called transgenic embryos were then implanted in the wombs of female monkeys.
The transgenic monkeys behaved much like their unaltered counterparts, and their brains were roughly the same size. But their brain cells took longer to develop compared to those of the unaltered monkeys — a sign that the researchers interpreted as neoteny, the super-slow maturation of the human brain that is thought to be linked to our species’ high intelligence.
“Rhesus monkeys are far enough evolutionarily from humans that a few additions of genes will not create a 'Planet of the Apes' scenario,” she said, referring to fears that the transgenic monkeys could be self-aware.Rhesus monkeys and other Old World monkeys can be a useful model for studying the human brain. Their brains resemble humans’ brains much more closely than those of other common research animals, such as mice.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Machine that can turn human brain waves into speech created by scientists'For the first time, this study demonstrates that we can generate entire spoken sentences based on an individual's brain activity,' said study co-author Dr. Edward Chang.
Read more »
China draws up tighter rules on human gene and embryo trials: XinhuaChina's top legislature will consider tougher rules on research involving h...
Read more »
Scientists Use Artificial Intelligence to Turn Brain Signals Into SpeechScientists have harnessed artificial intelligence to translate brain signals into speech, in a step toward brain implants that one day could let people with impaired abilities speak their minds, according to a new study.
Read more »
Scientists turn brain signals into speech, may help people who cannot talkPeople robbed of the ability to talk due to a stroke or another medical conditio...
Read more »
Humans smell with their tongues, scientists discoverThe study calls into question the role the brain plays in creating flavor.
Read more »
Israeli scientists create world's first 3D-printed heart using human cellsThe team created a cell-containing 'bioink' and used it to 3D print the organ layer by layer.
Read more »
German scientists create see-through human organsResearchers in Germany have created transparent human organs using a new technol...
Read more »
The Duggars Renamed 'Deviled Eggs' Which Sparked A Huge Debate About Eggs And SatanI Have To Laugh At What The Duggars Call 'Deviled Eggs'
Read more »
Texas cancer center ousts 3 scientists over Chinese data theft concernsA prominent cancer center in Houston has ousted three of five scientists whom federal authorities identified as being involved in Chinese efforts to steal American research.
Read more »