• Question: do you think cloning is ok?

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      Asked by xX_OldmanBamanaboni_Xx to John, Laura, Luke, Rob, Ruth on 13 Jun 2016.
      • Photo: Laura Finney

        Laura Finney answered on 13 Jun 2016:

        I’m not sure to be honest. I think it’s a very difficult topic to decide on.

        I think the idea that clones could be used to help people dying of liver disease etc is a good idea but then growing a clone for medical use is a bit controversial too.

        I think much like genetic modification, we have to be careful what we use it for and really think about the long term effects and consequences it will have. We need to consider both the good and bad things it may lead to.

      • Photo: John Fossey

        John Fossey answered on 13 Jun 2016:

        With appropriate ethical consideration – yes

      • Photo: Robert Williams

        Robert Williams answered on 13 Jun 2016:

        Cloning has its part in general scientific investigation of diseases erc.
        The key question is how everyone – in Society – wants it to be used.
        Many people are against cloning because of all the ‘bad press’ it gets – it is put in the same basket as nuclear energy, fracking, GM etc.
        In general I think that those who are against such things really do need to read up more on the subject before making a decision.
        Scientists are trained to do this reading up before making an informed decision based on the evidence and not some emotive response.

      • Photo: Ruth Patchett

        Ruth Patchett answered on 13 Jun 2016:

        I think cloning some things is okay and it’s amazing that we can do it but I do not like the idea of cloning people. It depends what we are cloning and what we are cloning them for.

      • Photo: Luke Williams

        Luke Williams answered on 13 Jun 2016:

        I conducted some cloning as part of my research – cloning genes into E. coli is a procedure that is routinely carried out all over the world every day.

        Cloning could also include the production of transgenic animals, such as mice and rats most usually. Typical examples include adding an extra gene (e.g. Green Fluorescent Protein for green glowing mice), or knocking a gene out to see what the effect is, or perhaps creating a particular mouse with a set of characteristics for further study. Perhaps the mouse will be more likely to develop a disease or resistant to something.

        A third branch would include the recent decision to start attempting to grow human organs in pigs, via inserting stem cells into a developing pig embryo. This line of research would eventually produce a new supply of organs for people who need them. The end result would be the possibility of growing a specific organ to order, without the need for immunosuppressant drugs as the organs would be genetically identical to the human receiving them.

        A fourth cloning example would be utilising stem cells, whether embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to grow organs, tissues or other materials required, again on order. A recent example of this in action is in the treatment of macular degeneration, whereby the retina at the back of the eye degrades. Current studies are ongoing to grow a new piece of retina, and effectively implant it to restore sight – this area is called regenerative medicine.

        A fifth area would be moving towards science fiction, for now. Cloning humans to create twins, to produce a twin, to produce an alternative source of organs, or perhaps to improve their genetics (give them better strength, better immune system or whatever you want). Also a similar effect could be done in some manner on existing humans as well.

        Returning nearer where I started, cloning into bacteria, yeast and even animals doesn’t necessarily need to be linked to healthcare. There are whole fields of biotechnology dedicated to the production of chemicals and fuels that could involve cloning. Genetically modified plants are one example here.

        So in short, cloning means very different things in different circumstances. In principle I have no problem with cloning, it is a very useful tool, without which a great deal of biotechnology would be impossible. With regards to all the specific examples I have given I have no problem with any of them, save the growing of new humans for the specific purpose of becoming a spare set of organs.

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