Experts warn over humanising apes

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/feedarticle/9757928

Action is needed now to prevent nightmarish "Planet Of The Apes" science ever turning from fiction to fact, according to a group of eminent experts.

Their report calls for new rules to supervise sensitive research that involves humanising animals.

One area of concern is "Category Three" experiments which may raise "very strong ethical concerns" and should be banned, and an example given is the creation of primates with distinctly human characteristics, such as speech.

Exactly the same scenario is portrayed in the new movie Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, in which scientists searching for an Alzheimer's cure create a new breed of ape with human-like intelligence.

The report also acknowledges the "Frankenstein fear" that humanising animals might lead to the creation of "monsters".

running things then we do so maybe its time we give them a shot :)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/jul/22/medical-research-humans-animals-regulation

Medical research on animals that contain material from humans – such as brain cells – should be more tightly regulated, according to a report from a leading panel of scientists and ethicists.

The report, which included a public consultation, says such research needs more scrutiny and clearer legal boundaries.

Scientists already use animals that contain human material in work to understand medical conditions such as Down's syndrome. But the report's authors said politicians should devise regulations to cover likely advances.

The team highlighted future research into human cognition and reproduction as areas of greatest concern to the public.

Or even Palin.