Health

The Future of Cloning

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 31, 2002 / 8:43 AM EST / CBS

-- Cloning could potentially address many issues in the animal world. Researchers at Advanced Cell Technology say the technology could be used to prevent endangered species from becoming extinct.

"If we know a species is becoming endangered, we can actually go have a skin biopsy," says Phil Damiani, spokesperson for Advanced Cell Technology. "Once a cell line is established, we can freeze them back into these little vials so as to keep the genetics alive."

Cloning has its limits, however. Extinct species cannot be duplicated.

When it comes to human applications, researchers say replacement cells and tissues could possibly be created to treat diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s or heart disease.

For instance, scientists can take a few cells from a person’s heart and potentially "grow" new heart cells from it. The new cells would then be injected back into the donor. And since the cells are implanted back into the same person, experts say there is little risk the body would reject the cloned cells.

Cloning could also help turn back the genetic clock, according to a recent study. Investigators found recently cloned cows had cells that appeared younger than cattle of the same age.

The subject of cloning remains controversial because many people fear the procedure could be misused. One fear is that people considered evil such as Hitler could be cloned. Researchers, however, hope the possible benefits of the technology will ultimately outweigh its perceived drawbacks.