For Patients Needing Transplants, Hope Arrives on Tiny Hooves
New York TimesMAR 15
Scientists Grow Human Hearts in Pig Embryos for 21 Days
Above: Oocytes prepared for genetic modification injection at Revivicor Labs in Virginia on Nov. 22, 2024. Image copyright: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
This breakthrough represents a monumental leap toward solving the organ shortage crisis that kills thousands annually. Growing human hearts in pig embryos for three weeks proves the concept works and brings hope to desperate patients on transplant lists. The technology could revolutionize medicine by providing unlimited organ supplies.
Techno-skeptic narrative
These experiments raise serious ethical concerns about creating human-animal hybrids and exploiting animals for human benefit. The research involves genetic manipulation of sentient beings and could lead to unforeseen consequences, including potential viral transmission between species. Playing God with nature's boundaries demands extreme caution.
Metaculus Prediction
Editor's Note
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