Informative Essay On Chimeras

945 Words2 Pages

Long a thing of myth and imagination, a monster of a beast, an unnatural combination of DNA, Chimeras are creeping into the field of science. Often seen in greek myths and modern day fiction, these monstrosities are coming closer and closer to reality, and for some shocking reasons. With the research behind the experiments geared toward new solutions to the ever growing organ shortage and possibly even answers to incurable diseases. The future of these experiments, however, may not look as bright. Many people push against the tests, often claiming scientists are trying to blur the line between man and animal. The process of creating Chimeras is in a few short words is adding the DNA and cells of one species into a specimen of a different species. This can be done during the fetal stage or in a more developed stage. One of the first Chimeras in recorded history was a sheep-goat hybrid created in 1984 via …show more content…

Despite its promising future, many people have risen up to fight the continuation of these experiments. “What if the mice escaped the lab and began to proliferate? What might be the ecological consequences of mice who think like human beings, let loose in nature?” (Rifkin), these are one of the concerns brought about by the experiments, the possibility of unchecked breeding and the possible escape of theses genetically modified organisms. Should these animals escape the lab the possible impact on the environment would be unknown as would any possible evolution of these strains of organisms. Another concern is what animals subjected to theses tests go through for the sake of scientific research. It is no secret that the United States does not have a remotely good history with staying in humane reason when it comes to the treatment of laboratory animals, so the idea of the creation of Chimeras brings up issues such as animal abuse, improper housing, and misuse of the

Open Document