Scientists clone monkeys for the first time

Scientists in China announced this week the birth of two healthy baby monkey clones. Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai cloned the infant macaques, about 7 and 8 weeks old, from a monkey fetus. The monkeys’ births are the first successful attempt to clone primates, showing that cloning humans could be theoretically possible, scientists said. “The barrier of cloning primate species is now overcome,” said researcher Muming Poo. But the team that engineered the monkey clones has no intent of trying to do the same to humans. Rather, they envision the births of numerous genetically identical monkeys who could serve as research subjects to help advance medicine. Still, the breakthrough opens a Pandora’s box of ethical problems that have everyone from bioethicists to animal rights activists crying out for caution.