In September, scientists from Guangzhoux institutes of biomedicine and health made a groundbreaking discovery by successfully creating “humanized” kidneys inside pig embryos. The scientists achieved this by genetically modifying the embryos, disabling their ability to develop their own kidneys, and introducing human stem cells into them. Over a period of 28 days, the embryos developed within the pigs’ bodies, resulting in embryos predominantly consisting of pig cells but also containing human cells, even in the brain.
This significant breakthrough opens up the possibility of generating human organs within partially human-animal chimeras, potentially revolutionizing the field of organ transplantation and saving countless lives. However, this remarkable study raises significant ethical concerns. How should we ethically approach these beings that possess partial human characteristics?
Furthermore, the researchers also made advancements in creating “synthetic embryos” and enhancing laboratory-grown mini-brains. These developments present us with intricate ethical dilemmas regarding how we should perceive and treat such entities.
In Melbourne, Cortical Labs introduced the Dishbrain, a biological computer chip that combines human neurons with technology. This further complexifies the situation and elicits questions about the moral status of such entities.
Philosophers propose that we analyze these issues through the lens of “moral status,” which hinges upon the presence and extent of the creature’s interests. If a chimeral animal develops new cognitive abilities, our ethical stance towards it should evolve accordingly. Should a neurological chimera exhibit self-awareness and a vested interest in its own life, akin to an ordinary person, we must reassess our perspective on depriving it of life.
This heralds the start of a big discussion, which you can read more about here, enabling us to delve into the ethical complexities at hand and initiate the imperative dialogue that lies ahead.