I think that it is a disgusting idea. And we should not mix animal and human cells together. If this suceeds then there will be less room on the planet, as the human population is growing everyday. What will happen if another population comes and lives here. There will no be enough room, also there will be more dieseaes. And more rules, and regulations. More politics, and more food and water to make. And our earth will be destroyed quicker.

Alice Mullinger, Chelmsford, England

i think that the idea of doing that would be good but on the other hand it would be a bad idea because iv might get confused all the time. You wolud have more dises but have cures foir them aswell

paige, chelmsford, united kingdom

I think that it is disgusting that people could even start to mix cells. For this you would have to kill an innocent animal just for the genetic mutation into a human. Scientist should not do this just for an experiment

Victoria, Chelmsford, England

There have been many a good man and woman who, because of their vision and their wish do some good in this world, coupled with education, skills, dedication, hard work and commitment,, have won through to make great discoveries in what it seemed could benefit all of mankind. Then, at some later stage, only to see these great intentions and the results of the work of the dedicateds, become harnessed in some way by the un worthy and the unscrupulous. One clear example of this is the atom bomb! Just call this new, possible, scientific, 'revolutionary breakthrough' the Hybrid Bomb!

T. Bishop, London, United Kingdom

F Rottles. Embryos feel no pain, they are no more than a small collection of cells. Embryos have had no life, so therefore cannot be killed. Please stop using inflamatory language to inform your own backward and bigotted ideas.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

I wonder if any of those opposed to stem cell research because of the "loss of life" have ever used contraceptive or "seen to themselves" at night (or day, whatever rocks your boat). If you do (and I suspect you do) then you are all hypocrites.

Pete, Cov,

This is simply horrendous. As if we don't abuse nonhuman animals enough as it is. I'm all for stem cell research etc. but furthering the cause of vivisection in this way will never be able to afford decent scientific results of benefit to humankind. If one animal tortured to death for the sake of our health doesn't provide real results, what good will creating a mutant monster do? This is simply bad science and probably expounded by those whose greed for power and recognition override any concerns for the welfare or health of any living creature, in the same manner that current vivisectionists do. It is no wonder we suffer and die, when scientists continue to refuse the facts.

Jennifer Hynes, Barry, Cymru

>> "Using embryos would be much more useful and cause much less pain than the current research that is allowed using animals!"

For "embryos" read embryonic human beings.

For "using" read killing with premeditation.

For "cause much less pain" read kill embryonic human beings.

For "more useful" read hyped promises that cannot compete with the rapid advances already seen in non-embryonic stem cell research.

For "allowed with animals!" read the false dichotomy. Causing pain to research animals is not a trade off for killing embryonic human beings. But if you want to claim it as a trade off, then, show how that would be justified.

F. Rottles, Conception Bay, NFLD

It is true that stem cells exist within our bodies (in bone marrow and placenta) - however these cells do not possess the same capacity to differentiate as embryonic stem cells do. They have a much more limited range. Embryonic stem cells are perhaps the most exciting prospect in science at the moment, and if research was allowed (obviously it must be very tightly regulated) - cures for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as alzheimers and parkinsons, and paralysis may not be so far away.
Using embryos would be much more useful and cause much less pain than the current research that is allowed using animals!

Claire, Canberra, Australia

I prefer very much to enlarge my rational thinking than to reduce it and for this reason I think that human embryos should be respected and preserved from manipulation of all kind. I would go even further and not give for granted that production of embryos is an acceptabke thing. I think that medical care should look for progress in an ethical way which is to say to be attentive to all the consequences of research.

Matteo Conte, Milan, Italy

I think they should stop calling these clusters of cells embryos. To the untrained eye, they look no different from a bit of skin or saliva. Calling them "embryos" just gives the wrong impression.

starling, Lancaster,

to all of those against this type of research i can only say that you wouldn't be so "righteous" if you were touched either personally or indirectly (relatives) by one of these diseases.
i was fit and fine until 4 months ago, and then noticed some muscles twitching,i was diagnosed with motor neuron disease 3 months ago, my prospect is slow paralisis and death (normally within 3 years),i am only 42 years old, believe me, if any of you "righteous" people had this disease you would quickly change your tune.

jorge, telde, spain

Joan Moira Peters- It is not possible to remember being an embryo as an embryo does not have a fully developed anything let alone a brain capable of memories. There is no capacity for pain, emotions or conciousness in an embryo.

In my mind the embryo is just sperm and an egg, and there isn't the same controversy over experimenting on these.

Just because you have the potential for life, doesn't mean there is life.

A scientist, London,

"They have no idea if any of this works or how it works or what the consequences are but if they don't act like a cure is right around the corner the funding dries up. It is all about the money to these organizations that are pushing to make sure this type of research gets approved. "

Brett, that's the POINT of science... Alexander Fleming didn't go looking for antibiotics. He found them while researching other things. Scientist have to reaserch things that have potenytial. there are no guarantees. That's why it takes tousands of drug candidates to produce on drug. So, of course what you say its true. But it's a good thing not a bad thing.

Stem cell science is very exciting. Thankfully we are less influenced by superstition on this side of the atlantic and are more pragmatic. That's why biotech compnaies are listing on thes tock exchange here and employijng British scientsist... Long may it continue...

Garry White, London,

Well, like all progress, mixing human and other animal DNA will no doubt proceed. Recall: we humans still share, what, 98% of our DNA with chimps? So, we shouldn't worry too much about these low level experiments. What we should worry about is this: What will be the fall-back procedure when something goes wrong, as it one day will?

Roger, Bellmere, Australia

Hey AT, Auckland, if you understood even the basics of faith you would know that you confused God with superstition. Faith in God and science are not mutually exclusive. Science is the systematic study of the natural world. Only scientists who act ETHICALLY help us have a better future. People by virtue of their faith also help the world to be a better place.

JMS, Hannibal, Missouri

There are stem cells in the human boday and in placentas. These can be used for research and for cures. To treat a live embryo as though it is just a bit of matter to be dissected and used for experimentation is an unacceptable, horrible idea.
Look at it this way, in order to comprehend the reality of such scientific proposals:
Although impossible, if it were possible for our memories to be artificially extended, we would be able to remember the time when we were just tiny microscopic embryos.
Should an embryo, the earliest stage of human life, entirely
vulnerable, be subject to the whims and curiosity of scientists? Should scientists be allowed to choose this route to investigate human biology, genetics & potential medical cures - through genetic experiments on human embryos? No.
Moreover, the idea of allowing scientists to create human-animal hybrids on which to experiment, is horrific.
I have an open mind but can't see myself changing on this issue.

Joan Moira Peters, (British Citizen, temporarily abroad, administering my late father's

Credentials in the field of genetics are not a requirement for a discussion on SCR. Neither is a degree in ethics. Familiarity with history and the use of logic would help. History tells us that we should look very carefully before we ring a bell that cannot be un-rung. The Nobel Foundation was established with the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, as a way to further efforts at peace and other *noble* endeavors. His invention was intended, from his perspective, solely for the benefit of humanity, but became one of the most lethal advances in warfare. (That is, of course, until the power of the atom was harnassed.) The fallen nature of humankind prevents us from overcoming greed on our own. Since human philosophy has *advanced* to nihilism, further ventures into territory having the potential to transform the essence of humanity should be prohibited. A look at history guarantees a bad outcome. But who am I to object. Ethics and morality is SOOOOOO five minutes ago!

groovsmyth, Orlando,

I'd rather we spend money on this than on the debacle in Iraq and now, maybe in Iran-You people who don't have family members in wheelchairs(since 8 months) need to think beyond your limited view of kindness, love, etc.

Grandma, Georgetown, CO

If only all associated with the 'science' of drug development were only concerned with benefiting man-kind then we would not be observing the consequences of poisoning the public with toxic prescription drugs that kill thousands of people every week; the poisoning our children with toxic chemical and metal laden vaccines and the by-products of organisms that normally would not pass directly into their systems to dismantle the integrity of their immune systems; permit public exposure to dangerous chemicals such as aspartame, sucralose, and others artificial 'food' chemicals; endorse and increase production of GMO foods and pushing these harmful 'food' stuffs on to an ignorant public public; now legally incorporate several viruses strains in cooked meat and chicken products without having to be labeled as such that include genome to attack listeria but could easily mutate to kill beneficial bacteria in our bodies; the FDA would not be hell bent on controlling all nutritional supplements and destroying alternative medicine; and etc.. Sorry, what was the question?

Dr. L, Wichita, KS

Whether you believe in God or not there is a sanctity to human life and every time something like this happens it cheapens it a little bit. Scientist constantly beat the "we're just trying to cure Alzhiemers, Parkinsons, (insert terrible, debilitating disease here)", and we need these cloning, hybridization, etc. tools to do it.

They have no idea if any of this works or how it works or what the consequences are but if they don't act like a cure is right around the corner the funding dries up. It is all about the money to these organizations that are pushing to make sure this type of research gets approved.

Brett, Olathe, Kansas

Not Nither

Nither Odinsson, Glen Cove, New York / USA

Hey Jasper, Allentown PA, if you understood even the basics of science you would know that you had confused bacteria with viruses. Put your faith in god and superstition if you want, but understanding the world better can only help humans. These scientists are only helping you and your families have a better future.

AT, Auckland,

I'm amused by the "scientists' revolt." Wouldn't it be better to civilly address such concerns as the impact of mitchondrial DNA on the development of the embryo, rather than resort to the weak argument of ideological attack?

Paige, Chicago, USA

Whether the research using this technique is another dry hole or will eventually provide cures is a bit beside the point. The reason there is worry and a move to ban is that we've been sloppy in our moral thinking to this point. We have world famous ethicists like Peter Singer seriously arguing for infanticide and euthanasia at convenience. The moral justifications used are very similar to ones used to justify the hybrid research. There is good reason to sort out the current idiocies before we pile on even more badly thought through moral innovations.

And yes, I do know the cost. Yes, research delays would touch me personally. Giving the green light to monstrous moral thinking also has consequences and will also touch me and everyone else personally so let's be honest and weigh the true costs on both sides.

TM Lutas, Munster, IN, USA

Ok everyone needs to calm down a bit here. People seem to be confused as to what this "hybrid" actually means. The scientists are not mixing human and animal DNA at all. Basically what is going on is they are taking a DNA sample from a patient (from a prick of blood, a hair, saliva, etc.) in a harmless way, and inserting that DNA into the embryo of some animal as a way to generate stem cells.

This is essentially a different and LESS controversial method than using human embryos, which are actual potential babies. The animal embryo is simply a sort of host for facilitating the process of stem cell reproduction.

I myself am a scientist, as well as a good Christian. I oppose abortion and human embryonic stem cell research. This is an alternative that I can support based on my current knowledge because it does not stop or halt a new human life. It is more akin to taking a small blood sample in order to reproduce more blood that is specific to the patient. Please educate yourself before forming such strong opinions.

Brian, San Antonio, Texas

"give them your compassion not some tiny animal of only 150 cells". So, it's size that determines wether scientific experimentation is ethical on humans? Might makes right? This is similar to that logic which says we should use the data gathered by the Nazi's through torture; after all, it might help someone. Now I see why they have to teach ethics in my company; the West has lost its moral compass.

Richard, Culver City, California / USA

I also believe that in most cases scientists are trying to benefit mankind. Many of the posts I have read here seem to jump to conclusions about possible implications that this research could have. No one is talking about breeding "slave animals" or any such thing. If you are going to attack an issue, do it inteligently and rationally, rather than lashing out in ignorance and disrespect. This not only creates a bad image for those who read your posts, but it also makes you look less inteligent than you may actually be.

As far as this specific issue goes, I have always fully supported stem cell research, and if anything can be done to benefit the lives of people on this earth rather than destroy or corrupt it, why shouldn't we try. If something like this can actually develop medicines and treatments for diseases, can't we focus on supporting a good cause, rather than arguing and fighting, and making a larger mess than things already are?

Josh Graham, Orem, United states/UT

"This research has great potential and should be allowed."

An almost identical argument convinced the nazi's who carried out 'research' on human victims during the Second World War. It wasn't convincing then either.

"This is typical, religion trying to impose its archaic ideas on the rest of us."

Yes, archaic ideas like love, joy, meaning and humanity as something intriniscally more than a collection of chemicals.

I have never encountered anyone who supports this research that is also willing to volunteeer themselves for use in similar scientfic research. Perhaps its okay for embryos though - after all they cant complain.

Balti, Birmingham, UK

I would venture to guess that not one of the people posting here opposing the research has any background whatsoever in genetics, and therefore have no idea what they are really talking about. It simply reeks of Pavlovian opposition.

Tim, Orlando,

Whatever became of scientists' (and liberal health activits) concerns over the increased likelihood of transmission of animal bacteria to humans when developing such chimeras?

The animal-human species barrier is lowered when such hybrids are created.

If genetic engineered crops are of such huge concerns of Greens in Europe, where are they on this issue? Which is worse - hybrid crops or Frankenstein creations which allow animal diseases to jump the species barrier and infect the entire human race??

Jasper, Allentown, PA

This is terrible. It just takes one unethical scientist to develop one of these embryos out of curiousity. What are we doing here? What's the difference between these embryos and the creation human-animal incubators for transplant organs? Why is there a lesser class of human life that it is okay to experiment on? This is wrong in so many ways.

Jam, Vancouver,

As Dr Spence points out, it is usually described that the main opposition to this came from religious groups. However, nobody seems to have provided the relevant numbers yet. How many of those 535 responses to the consultation described in this article objected to the creation of such monsters on purely rel;igious grounds? I think most people just find this creepily unnatural, regardless of their religion. Funny how this article suggests that the goverment should be caving in because scientists are revolting.

Elidh Hess, Leith, UK

The Umpire , sad person, your nation seems to be the expert in revolting, shocking and depraved barbarity, look at iraq so don't preach to us

g, oslo,

They are not mixing human and animal DNA. They are using a non human egg as a host for human DNA. The non human DNA is removed part and parcel. Non human eggs are much easier to come by, and people aren't as offended that you need to suck the genetic code out of them to use them. This is one of those situations where it is more acceptable to do it this way, but not understanding the reasons makes it seem barbaric. The option is destoying real human cells.

Edward, Boston, MA

Storm in a tea cup, can all these crazies go back to watching the Sci-Fi channel and leave the science to the proffessionals! I'd love to hear their point of view on the matter if someone they loved had Alzhiemers, which of course is on the increase according to figures released today. This government U-turn is good news for the human race!

Paul, London,

The commodification and trivialisation of humankind continues apace.

It's only a matter of time before we are, literally, no more than the sum of our parts.

aelfheld, Weatherford, Texas, USA

Hybridization of anything is wrong. The reason our bodies are falling apart, at such early ages these days, is because our food has been depleted of all the nutrients God put into them, with all the genetic engineering our Scientists have done. You try to fix the problem by adding more.

The simple truth of the matter is, as long as man tries to do it on his own, things will never get better.

BUT CHRIST IS COMING SOON!!! And this will all be over

Kimberly, Salem, USA

West is messed up, crossing all possible moral limits...

Dre, New York,

I don't get why people are upset here. It's just cells and embryos (which are nonsentient so they don't care what you do to them) they're manipulating.
So some scientist does something you find creepy with some cells. Big deal if it saves lives and help cure horrible diseases.
If you're worried about some scientist creating hybrid monsters, or if you're worried about some poor half-man-half-animal suffering, then push for laws preventing them from bringing the embryos to term. That is, if such rules are not already in place.

Rik, Pensacola, FL, USA

These scientists will always say that their sick experimentation is to find cures for all the incurable diseases. What a load of baloney! They will say anything in order to continue this depaved research. This type of human experimentation harkens back to the Third Reich, and creating human-animal hybrids or experimenting on human embryos is no different than Nazi "medical" research.

It cannot be defended. One must always consider the means by which we arrive at a cure. The ends do not always justify the means. And I do hope no one seriously thinks the ends justify any means.

Michel, Reims, France

I don't know if this really counts as an ethical problem involving mixing human and animal DNA, given that there is apparently so little non-human DNA involved.

But that begs the question, why is this distinction being made, other than for convenience? I don't see a moral distinction, unless one would do the same with actual "humans" indistinguishable from the rest of us, except for having had such a bit of DNA in their ancestry. Presumably added, as in this case, to change their legal status to "disposable people".

Arthur, San Jose, USA/California

How far will this go? No one thought it would come to breeding human/animal chimera beasts... and it hasn't - not quite yet. But, that may be the next step. One inch at a time.
Twenty years from now, in a time of falling population and a worker shortage, why not breed a race of half-human slaves?
This is an insult to the sanctity of human life.

James Christian, Halifax, Canada

A great deal of ignorance has been spouted in these posts. This research has great potential and should be allowed. Many of the scientists working in this area don't even believe in god so can hardly be described as wanting to become a god. I note from the original article that much of the criticism came from religious groups. This is typical, religion trying to impose its archaic ideas on the rest of us.

Dr Paul Spence, Mill Valley, USA, CA

This is for money and power. Tell me that someone is not imagining how to weaponize such abominations of Gods designs. Just because we have the cold, souless science to do a thing - that doesn't mean that we should. Possibly this is a booby-trap of sorts, wherein scientists twist and mutilate nature and then proclaim themselves as gods. I see such yanking at these dark doorknobs as definitely a sign that we are well into the "season" in which the Lord returns. Have your spiritual bags packed by starting a relationship (not a religion) with Jesus Christ - he is the only way!

Russ Dillard, Orlando, USA / FL

I basically find the mixing of human DNA with that of animals nauseating but I freely admit to certain ignorance on this subject, But the suspicion is there that the next step forward may be to create a viable hybrid creature out of this experiment, I don’t think I would believe the statement that this is impossible as all living DNA must be related and who knows what excesses our meddling will lead to, I have learned not to trust the promises of our politicians and scientists.

Michael Rudd, Barking, UK

Is there anything that science can do that it should not do? I think this is the over-riding question. The Nazis gave us the answer to this, I beleive.
If ethics has no place in research we are in big trouble.

Mike, Goshen, IN, USA

What would be wrong with a Sheepman or Froggirl? Why not design humans with animal attributes if it makes us healthier and stronger as a species? How about humans who can survive global warming, or who are resistant to nuclear waste? So long as you can keep the brain function working at 100% human, right?

Didn't you see the latestest article about Chimps developing weapons? If we're going to stay on top of the food chain, our species better start taking our evolution into our own hands.

The only problem with this idea is that humans are such bigots that they can't even accept people with a different colored skin or who is a bit less social or beautiful... Maybe we can genetically alter humans to be more accepting? Splice in a bunch of domesticated dog genes into our personalities, wouldn't that be a nice change instead of the rabid hatred natural procreation has bred in us.

Ping, Philidelphia, pa

The Government are talking about legislating the research at the moment, but that doesn't mean that the science/techniques can't already happen. Even with legislation, a maverick cannot be stopped if s/he wants to create a cybrid organism. Please stop the hysteria, educate yourselves about the technology and then decide whether or not it is a good thing And credit scientists with some values - they are humans too and most are looking to benefit humankind, not detract from it.

Sam, London, UK

"What a pathetic and feeble shadow of your former selves you are to allow this savagery." -TheUmpire, Katy, Texas, USA

"Savagery"? You're one to talk. You come from the place that first voted Dubya Governor. Now *theres* a savage.

Pete, Cov,

> Frankly if the human condition were to be improved it >would involve entirely human DNA!

Pay attention and actually READ the story. There is NO animal DNA involved here. They are using the animal eggs stripped of DNA and then inserting human DNA. Get a grip.

dave, Worcester, MA

Wonderful news !
We have a familial version of motor Neurone Disease, I have watched my Mother, Brother and Sister die from this cruel condition. I'm convinced that anybody who's witnessed the suffering it causes would not oppose this development. Too often these vital decisions ,are imposed on all of us from a purely academic angle.

A Wood, Wales, UK

I suppose, then, that those who support this horrific "research" wouldn't object if they had been the disected embryos and had never had a chance to speak their minds. It's amazing how willing we are for others to suffer on our behalf.

Barrett Duke, Crofton, USA/MD

This is not science.

This is pure commercial interest.

Science attempts to understand the HOW and the WHAT.

This is simply shooting in the dark and trying to explain what happenned later all the while looking for a way to make money.

Frankly if the human condition were to be improved it would involve entirely human DNA! You can't say for sure if their ideas are correct a tiny bit of DNA has an INCREDIBLE effect. The fact that they are using ANIMAL eggs flaws the research. ALSO some cruel scientits WILL grow an embryo to adulthood to see the the freak they create.

Paul, Rochester,

The problem is the same as it always was. On one side the fear of unregulated experimentation, on the other the science fraternity, pleased with itself and reacting somewhat sniffily to criticism from the 'uneducated'. Unfortunately for these frightfully clever scienific johnnies we've had too many instances of humanitarian research hijacked for political ends not to air our misgivings. The medical profession happily prostituted itself to German and Russian dictatorships. Reassurances mean nothing. It is regulation, properly policed, we need.

Edward, Lincoln, England

Well, in the very near future we will see "The Island of Dr. Moreau" in reality. Science today has become science-fiction of yesterday. Another highpoint for western science and rationality.

Just for the record I am an atheist and therefore I do not like it when somebody starts to play God.

Christian Bruni, Helsinki, Finland

The people who object to this either don't understand or don't want to understand the science behind it. They will use inflammatory word like Chimera and talk of savagery and then spout gibberish about the moment an egg is ensouled!

Read a modern science book you people and raise your awareness out of the Iron age!

Even if these eggs were brought to tern, which they won't, you won't get a man with udders!

Have some pity on the sick people who are alive with awareness and families who want a cure to terrible diseases. give them your compassion not some tiny animal of only 150 cells.

Martin, Darwen, Lancashire

I don't see why people are opposed to offering hope to millions, those who object are seriously uneducated in the field of such science and their rejection of the idea is as much that of ignorance than anything else.

Adam Webb, Milton Keynes, UK

Perfect. Scientists will control the means of production as well as the ethics oversight.

We know it 's just a matter of time before someone rolls out a new superhero, "Sheepman", or "Frog Girl".

Honestly, does anyone reading this expect that some scientist (or any number of scientists around the world) will not bend of break the 'rules'. Then whatever 'survives' will be paraded for public display and the pro-lifers will forbid destruction. It's coming , my friends.

Olden Atwoody, Onus, Stratfordshire

Goebbels would be proud. What a revolting and shocking development. This depraved barbarity is a disgrace to the formerly great British Empire.

What a pathetic and feeble shadow of your former selves you are to allow this savagery.

TheUmpire, Katy, Texas, USA

Hmm, Im sure we did something nasty to Hitler to stop him incorporating us all in his 'perfect race' amongst other things. Just think of the money we could have saved if we'd let him get on with it. we could have all been blond and perfect by now.
Dr. Moreau: I have almost achieved perfection you see, of a divine creature that is pure, harmonious, absolutely incapable of any malice. And if in my tinkering I have fallen short of the human form by the snout, claw or hoof, it really is of no great importance. I am closer that you could possibly imagine sir.

Kate, Nobles Isle, UK

The word "chimera" means both human-animal monster and also illusion. These British scientists are pursuing both. This competition by various countries and various U.S. states to keep scientists from moving to other regions is a kind of competitive prostitution. These scientists and government officials are selling their souls for a mess of pottage.

Richard, Dubuque, USA/Iowa

Are you saying then that any objection from 'religious groups' is to be dismissed? Many scientists seem to be setting themselves up as the moral arbiters of humanity. They are the new (very dictatorial) priests and prophets. One does not need to believe in a God or in any supernatural realities to feel concern over the way that we are expected to bow down under anything done in the name of (the God?) science.

A J McCabe, Doncaster,

So much for all the science fiction films warning about mad scientists operating in secret, away from the eyes of the public. Human-animal hybrids that are 99 percent human? This is going to be considered ethical research and applauded by your government? Its rather disheartening to see that there is both a political and media cheering section for evil research. It makes one wonder why Great Britain fought against the Nazis. I'd say you'll have Adolph Hitler's scientists beat soon for inhuman research. Maybe your government can start a Darwin "Descent of Man" award for dangerous "evolutionary" research while you are at it.

Joseph Cabadas, Dearborn, USA/Michigan

The will use animal eggs mainly for training purposes. They do not have enough human eggs.

Lobster Ring, LONDON,

Finally, a human chimp hybrid made without having to do it the old fashioned way!

david, Sunnyvale, CA

Genesis 6

Rollin, Las Vegas, USA / Nevada

I'm an atheist with my religion being science ....but I'm not sure about this sort of usage. The guy immediately before sounds willing to do anything for his self serving interest. I'm not sure I admire this sort of person. http://www.amarketplaceofideas.com

phxfreddy, phoenix, arizona usa

And what if these creatures they generate have human intellect? Where are the animal rights folks on this? These "chimeras" will be exploited with no concern for their well-being. This is animal experimentation, no matter how you slice it.

Not since attempting to build of the Tower of Babel has mankind been so richly deserving of a smackdown by God.

Judith Muehlbauer, Brainerd, MN

I don't doubt the intent of the scientists referred to in this article, but I am concerned about what will happen as this technology becomes ubiquitous. We assume that current scientists are acting with caution and professional restraint, but what happens in the near future when every half-trained geneticist in the world has the ability to play god and create new life forms in a kitchen sink?
One bad mistake could carry the destructive power of a thousand nuclear weapons. And the potential for intentional harm (eco-terror) is too scary to even contemplate.

Chris Parker, Sequim, US, Washington State

Why is it even an issue? It is a fact of life that people contract diseases and die. Curing a disease will not defeat death. But compromising the integrity of the human design is something that will surely make each life less valuable and will rob the human being of its inherent worth.

Jessica Bell, Los Angeles, USA

Yikes! The Europeans were worried initially about "frankenfoods" like genetically modified corn. Now the UK wants to create hybrid animal/human embryos?!?!?! Truly a frightening world...especially when adult stem cell research has already shown so much promise. I can only imagine the horrors and potential diseases that will be unlocked by this totally irresponsible foray into science fiction.

RM, San Diego/California, USA

The moral choice is unambiguous - medicine and life and knowledge versus neophobia, romanticism, and pushy religion. Why the show of democracy? Are they trying to pass the buck? It's plain who's right.

Julian Morrison, Reading,

Thank God for this action by men of science who understand what it means to millions of people who have suffered from various motor neuron diseases. My wife of 54 years died of ALS 6 months ago and then as now had no hope of survival. But the with the potential of the acceptance of stem cell research in the hands of those who are "qualified reseachers" rather than quacks, there is hope for the future. Hurrah!

William V. Hanks, T ulsa, Oklahoma, USA