New Evidence in Cloning: Does it Reflect Higher Inteligence?

It’s out of this world. Or at least that’s where the idea came from.

Leading the scientific world in the cloning race is Clonaid, the first human cloning company. The company sent shockwaves around the world with its December announcement of the birth of the first human clone, Eve. The announcement was made by Brigitte Boisselier, Clonaid CEO and member of the Order of Angels Raelian religious cult. The cult’s prophet, Rael, says that the idea to clone humans came to him thirty years ago when he was visited by four foot aliens from outer space that told him humans are descendants from the clones they set here 25,000 years ago.

It’s no wonder that the scientific world is in frenzy. The man at its core talked to aliens and has a vision that one day, humans, with no need for “biological bodies,” will live forever. According to Clonaid.com, “Once we can clone exact replicas of ourselves, the next step will be to transfer our memories and personality into our newly cloned brains, which will allow us to truly live forever.”

Many are questioning whether there is truly a cloned baby at all. Clonaid reports that more cloned babies have been born but with no scientific data to prove it, some are cynical. “Without any scientific data, one has to be very, very skeptical. This is a group that has no scientific track record, never published a single scientific paper in this area,” said Dr. Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technologies “They have no research experience in this area. In fact, they have never even cloned a mouse or rabbit.”

There are two types of cloning that take place. Therapeutic cloning uses embryonic stem cells, which can then be used to make specialized cells such as liver or heart cells. Because the cells are identical to those of the donor, they can be given a specific job and form genetically similar organs. The second type, reproductive cloning, bears a human baby that, until now, was only possible through artificial reproduction techniques (IVF). Reproductive cloning allows an identical twin to be formed from the initial host. This is the method of choice for sterile couples or homosexual couples that want their offspring to bear their genetic makeup. Therapeutic cloning raises an ethical issue because, in taking the cells needed to produce a certain organ or tissue, the embryo itself dies. Cloning takes place when a hollow egg is filled with the nucleus of any cell from any part in the body. The cell is electrified and encouraged to divide. Cell division takes place just like a normal, fertilized egg. The embryo is inserted in the uterus of the surrogate mother and develops like a normal pregnancy.

Supporters of cloning, like Clonaid, claim that therapeutic cloning may help “cure” diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and even cancer, by allowing us to clone specialized cells. But, one has to wonder if there are ulterior motives. Rael himself said, “Cloning a baby is just the first step. For me, it’s not so important. It’s a good step, but my ultimate goal is to give humanity eternal life through cloning.”

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to bring in a little profit, too. Clonaid offers a wide range or services and products on their website. Insuraclone ensures “your cells preserved for a lifetime!” For only $200 a year, Clonaid will store your cell samples in “a safe and confidential place, under cryogenic temperature.” They buy and sell female eggs for $5,000 and will soon offer Clonapet, where pets can also be cloned. The most amazing item on their website is the “RMX2010,” which seems to be a cloning machine of some sort. The description is a bit vague, but the price is not: $9,220 plus shipping and handling.

Many scientists are worried about the future of cloning and the cloned. They feel that extensive research has not yet proven that the cloning of humans is one hundred percent safe. Ian Wilmut, who cloned Dolly the sheep, said 276 attempts failed before she was cloned successfully. Dr. Jon Hill, who cloned cows at Texas A&M University, warns that just because a clone is born normal doesn’t mean it won’t develop problems later on. “Their livers, their lungs, their heart, their blood vessels are often abnormal after birth.” Alta Charo, a University of Wisconsin bioethicist, calls Clonaid’s human clone “an irresponsible example of medical grandstanding.” She went on to call it an “irresponsible experiment on human beings.”

While President Bush’s administration decides what should be done about cloning, only four states; California, Michigan, Louisiana and Rhode Island-have cloning research bans. According to CNN.com, the FDA suggests that it would regulate the cloning process like that of a drug. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) is pushing for a cloning ban, but as of yet, nothing has been passed. In January, President Bush addressed cloning in his State of the Union speech and stated that both reproductive and therapeutic cloning will be banned. Clonaid says that “in the summer of 2001, following several visits from United States government representatives in our facilities, Clonaid decided to pursue its human cloning project in another country where human cloning is legal.” For now, Clonaid is keeping tight wraps on the locations of its facilities and cloned babies.

It is hard to say where this all will lead. Many in the scientific community are still waiting for tests that prove that Eve is indeed a true human clone. Until this data is presented, the whole claim is somewhat of a mystery. We will all have to wait and see where cloning takes us and pray that it is being done for the right reasons in the right hands. For now, “the truth is out there…”