Abstract
We review recent research to introduce human brain organoids into the brains of infant rats. This research shows these organoids integrate and function to affect behaviour in rats. We argue that this raises issues of moral status that will imminently arise and must be addressed through functional studies of these new life forms. We situate this research in the broader context of the biological revolution, arguing we already have the technological power to create fully human embodied animals. This raises profound, so far unaddressed ethical issues which call for urgent attention.
Funder
Wellcome Trust
Victorian State Government through the Operational Infrastructure Support (OIS) Program
Singapore Ministry of Health’s National Medical Research Council under its Enablers and Infrastructure Support for Clinical Trials-related Activities Funding Initiative
Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
JST Research Institute of Science and Technology for Society
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