Research on Human Embryonic Stem Cells Chimeras

CHIMERAS

Chimeras

Continued research on human embryonic stem cells leads to formation of more chimeras. The National Academy of Sciences has laid a common ground for ethical research on human embryonic stem cells. Wade (2015) defines chimeras as “creatures composed of more than one kind of cell” (par 1). In this essay, I will express my thoughts on why chimeras are weird to many and also why they may be of importance to humans.

It is interesting that Mermaids, werewolves, sphinxes, and centaurs are viewed as half-human chimeras while the original chimaera was a monster. It is also interesting that these creatures possess powerful evil powers and that people who possess big heart valves are chimeric. I agree with the article’s assertion to the effect that chimeras are weird creatures. This is more so the case owing to the fact that, as Wade (2005) points out, testing and developing new organs by biologists requires growing human organs in animals which may be distressing to many. Dr. William Hansen, an expert in mythology suggested that people will be horrified by such procedures (Wade, 2005). The author further suggests that human-animals chimeras is an embarrassing issue. This may arise when human cells are incorporated into the germ line. In such an instance, chimeric animals carry sperms and eggs generating a fertilized human egg. Thus, being conceived from a pair of mice may not be desirable to many. In addition, Wade (2005) argues that in the generation of human oocytes from mice, the tissues may be foreign to the immune system of the patient. To avoid this, the author suggests creation of embryonic stem cells from the tissues of the patient. This process involves transfer of nucleus extracted from the skin cell of a patient to a human oocyte that has no nucleus. The author further suggests that such transfers may be inefficient given that they require 200 oocytes for a successful clone. The procedure of acquiring the oocytes from humans could be insignificant.

I chose this article on chimeras owing to the fact that chimeras may not be that horrifying as some people may view them. Wade (2015) suggests that all tissues of the body are a kind of universal clay and are derived from embryonic stem cells. Physicians would be able to replace specific organs which are inclusive of, but are not limited to; kidneys, heart muscle, and pancreas glands after biologists learn how to shape the clay into the said organs. The natural order of chimeras may be repulsive and fascinating to some people. This is more so the case given that they may create an enjoyable feeling by promoting a sense of wonder and owe. Wade (2015) suggests that chimeras could be viewed like the horror movies that do not cause any harm while watching.

In my opinion, I disagree with the information that chimeras are like horror movies that may not be harmful. This is more so the case given that some chimeras may have some behaviors that may lead to divisions between the animal and the human worlds. Also, the real creature of chimera may not be as enjoyable as the mythical chimera. This is more so the case owing to the fact that the real chimera may have difficult habits and bad mannerisms. In addition, if a creature is half-animal and half-human, it may be difficult to come up with moral responsibilities while relating with such creatures. As Richard Doerflinger says in Wade (2015), “it might be immoral to kill such a creature” and “it’s wrong to create creatures whose moral stature we are perplexed about” (par 24).