Advancements in stem cell technology and an ever-growing library of research brings the sci-fi concept of human cloning ever closer. In a BBC interview with Dr. Lyle Armstrong, he explains the process with which a group of scientists has been able to remove the DNA from a human egg and replace it with the genetic material of a patient. The embryo is then developed to a stage, where stem cells can be harvested and later used on the patient.
The medical implication of stem cells are numerous and vary from treatment of diseases like diabetes and Parkinson's to regrowing entire limbs and organs. The main function of stem cells is that they can transform into basically any type of human cell, whether that be skin cells, heart cells or muscle cells. There is, of course, a serious ethical discussion behind the subject, that could either let the technology flourish or ban further research like has been done in countless counties worldwide. The laws against reproductive cloning focus on human alteration, like babies looks and abilities. Already critics of human cloning in the US have proposed a ban on human cloning before more research in that field takes place. However, Dr. Lyle clarifies that the research that has been done is therapeutic cloning, not reproductive cloning, this type of cloning aims only to create stem cells for medical treatment.
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