London: British scientists say a new expert body should be formed to regulate experiments mixing animal and human DNA to make sure no medical or ethical boundaries are crossed.
In a report issued on Friday, scientists at the nation's Academy of Medical Sciences said a government organisation is needed to advise whether certain tests on animals that use human DNA should be pursued.
Tighter regulation isn't needed for most such experiments, said Martin Bobrow, chair of the group that wrote the report. "But there are a small number of future experiments, which could approach social and ethically sensitive areas which should have an extra layer of scrutiny," he told reporters in London.
The group analysed evidence from academics, the UK government, animal welfare groups and others. An independent survey was also conducted to gather public opinion.
Controversy
Scientists have long been swapping animal and human DNA. Controversy erupted several years ago in Britain after scientists announced plans to make human embryos with the nucleus removed from cow and rabbit eggs. Authorities allowed limited experiments and ruled the embryos should not be allowed to develop for more than two weeks.
