Body Doubles Cloning Plants and Animals

9781403441201

1403441200

Identical twins are clones. Their genetic material is the same. Some plants make their own clones. Microorganisms can also clone themselves. Cloning can be a natural process, yet some people object to scientists making clones in the laboratory. These people feel that another life is being created where one would not be possible without scientific intervention. Cloning can be used for other things, too. There is research into using the process to make artificial skin for burn victims, healthy bone marrow for people with bone marrow cancer, and whole new organs, such as hearts and livers. With all of these possible benefits, why would people want this research stopped? One reason is that some of the cells used for cloning, stem cells, come from embryos. Another is that animal welfare activists object to experiments with animals. Are these complaints reasonable? Are the benefits greater than the risks? 'In Science at the Edge: Body Doubles: Cloning Plants and Animals', you can learn about the process of cloning and the reasons for doing it, and then make up your own mind.