"Time for global oversight of organoid work

Brain-organoid researchers are calling for global oversight as lab-grown mini-brains become increasingly complex and countries reduce reliance on animal models. Once primitive cell clusters, neural organoids can now mimic aspects of human brain development and disease — and even integrate into animal brains — prompting concerns over donor consent, animal welfare and the possibility of emerging sentience. “What does it mean if human cells are causing gains in animals’ abilities?” says bioethicist Insoo Hyun. “Currently, we’re not set up to deal with that.” The call to action was signed by 17 scientists across five countries."

There was nothing I could add to the above, except to say: This Is A Really Big Deal.

#Sentience #Organoids #BrainOrganoids #RegulatingOrganoidUse #Biology #Ethics #Philosophy #Morals

Reference: https://nature.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?