Hugh Duffy

Mr. Ippolito

AP BIO

4/25/2021

Mitch Leslie Apr. 15, 2021, et al. “Lab-Grown Embryos Mix Human and Monkey Cells for the 

First Time.” Science, 15 Apr. 

2021,www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/04/lab-grown-embryos-mix-human-and-monkey-c

ells-first-time. 

    Scientists have recently combined human and monkey cells in hopes of replacing organ donorship with ones grown in a lab. The article states that this discovery is significant because it opens doors for creating additional chimera cells of different species such as humans with pigs or cows. It is already understood that pig and cow hearts can be used as replacements in surgery with high efficacy rates. When grown in a lab, scientists could specifically tailor an organ to its recipient, negating the possibility of organ rejection - where the immune system recognizes a transplanted organ as a foreign body and dangerously attacks it. “ These chimeras could help scientists hone techniques for growing human tissue in species better suited for transplants, such as pigs.” (Leslie 1) There is hope that these experiments will work in humans as they did with mice, “In 2017, researchers reported growing pancreases from mouse stem cells inserted into rat embryos. Transplanting the organs into mice with diabetes eliminated the disease.” (Leslie 1) This has worked with mice because of their relation to rats, however the biology seems to fail when it comes to combining species that differ greatly in genetic makeup. As of now, combinations between humans and pigs, as well as humans and cows have all gone terribly wrong. Cells of this nature were instantly undergoing apoptosis, detecting an error in their DNA and terminating themselves. It is unclear if this research will ever come to fruition and benefit modern medicine as it is predicted to.
    
    One aspect I wish the author had expanded upon was the lack of emphasis on human and pig trials. There was a clear focus on the concept or idea of those trials, without actually regarding them in any seriousness. I would have liked to learn more about the potential for growing organs in a lab, and if this were to occur, would organ donation still be necessary? And would the free market seize this opportunity to capitalize on said organs? Selling them? In that scenario, the idea becomes grim.


    I chose this article because I found the title interesting. I am personally against most forms of stem cell and combination research, as I find it appalling, however this study seemed promising. As long as individuals aren’t capitalizing on the health needs of others, this could be a brilliant discovery for humanity and - as it did in mice - aid in eliminating chronic illnesses like diabetes.