<p>The scientists have produced the hybrids secretively at three laboratories -- King's College London, Newcastle University and Warwick University -- to look into possible cures for a wide range of diseases, the 'Daily Mail' reported.<br /><br />Citing figures, the newspaper said that 155 "admixed" embryos, containing both human and animal genetic material, have been created since the introduction of the 2008 Human Fertilisation Embryology Act.<br /><br />This legalised the creation of a variety of hybrids, including an animal egg fertilised by a human sperm; "cybrids", in which a human nucleus is implanted into an animal cell; and "chimeras", in which human cells are mixed with animal embryos.<br /><br />The scientists say that the techniques can be used to develop embryonic stem cells which can be used to treat a range of incurable illnesses.<br /><br />In fact, the three laboratories were granted licences to carry out the research after the Act came into force, the newspaper said.<br /><br />All have now stopped creating hybrid embryos due to a lack of funding, but scientists believe that there will be more such work in the future. The figure was revealed to crossbench peer Lord Alton following a Parliamentary question.<br /><br />"I argued in Parliament against the creation of human- animal hybrids as a matter of principle. None of the scientists who appeared before us could give us justification in terms of treatment.<br /><br />"Ethically it can never be justifiable - it discredits us as a country. It's dabbling in the grotesque," he said.</p>
<p>The scientists have produced the hybrids secretively at three laboratories -- King's College London, Newcastle University and Warwick University -- to look into possible cures for a wide range of diseases, the 'Daily Mail' reported.<br /><br />Citing figures, the newspaper said that 155 "admixed" embryos, containing both human and animal genetic material, have been created since the introduction of the 2008 Human Fertilisation Embryology Act.<br /><br />This legalised the creation of a variety of hybrids, including an animal egg fertilised by a human sperm; "cybrids", in which a human nucleus is implanted into an animal cell; and "chimeras", in which human cells are mixed with animal embryos.<br /><br />The scientists say that the techniques can be used to develop embryonic stem cells which can be used to treat a range of incurable illnesses.<br /><br />In fact, the three laboratories were granted licences to carry out the research after the Act came into force, the newspaper said.<br /><br />All have now stopped creating hybrid embryos due to a lack of funding, but scientists believe that there will be more such work in the future. The figure was revealed to crossbench peer Lord Alton following a Parliamentary question.<br /><br />"I argued in Parliament against the creation of human- animal hybrids as a matter of principle. None of the scientists who appeared before us could give us justification in terms of treatment.<br /><br />"Ethically it can never be justifiable - it discredits us as a country. It's dabbling in the grotesque," he said.</p>