Inside the DNA Testing Centers-Ethical Questions

The work of a DNA lab sounds like science fiction, but a recent development sounds stranger than most. Scientists are now working with animal DNA to possibly improve the lives of humans.

DNA kits may be ordered online at http://DNAkits.org which will be sent in to which ever of the DNA testing centers you are select. This type of testing is what you would use for Genealogy DNA testing or for a paternity test of course these would all be for human testing. We thought you might like to know of other types of research being performed in the DNA labs and suggest you read further.

In November, 2009, researchers in Britain began a study of how DNA from people might be used in animal experiments. According to the scientists, there are two areas of study underway: one will change an animal’s genes by adding DNA from humans; the other will replace a specific DNA sequence in animals so that it more closely replicates human DNA.

Human DNA was added to a mouse to “apply” Down’s syndrome on the mouse several years ago. Doing this enabled scientists to look at how the disease evolved so they could develop treatments. Researchers have also attempted to grow human organs in animals that someday will be transplanted back in humans.

Ethicists are aware this enters a realm of science not everyone will be comfortable with. In Britain two years ago scientists were assailed after announcing plans to develop human embryos in empty cow and rabbit eggs. Even though the scientists pledged to destroy the embryos after two weeks, critics were outraged at the blending of animal and human genetic material. The scientists were not attempting to bring the embryo to term; they wanted to use the experiment to help teach them about creating stem cells.

Governments and the scientific community are currently learning through trial and error where to draw the line on experiments that incorporate animal material in humans. There is no clear regulation on how much human DNA can be used in animals, regardless of the benefit to humans