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So is it the dawn of a new age in medical advancement or have scientists finally gone too far? Personally, this sits very uneasy with me. I can certainly see the benefits that it could bring, especially to the millions of people around the world affected by Parkinson's and Alzhiemers. But now approval has been given, how far will it go? How long before the scientists appeal to grow an embryo full term to study the changes that take place. The answers they will find through growing an embryo for a few days, will also lead to more questions and an intense desire to study further. Man is, after all, an insatiable beast. And if approval is given for further study. How long before nature turns on us? We may hold the key to our future survival, but it may also turn out to be Pandora's Box!

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The fertility regulator has agreed in principle that British scientists should be able to create human-animal embryos.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) agreed to the controversial proposal, which scientists say will pave the way for therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The positive decision from the HFEA means applications from scientists at King's College London and Newcastle University can now be appraised by a licence committee, probably in November.

A consultation paper published by the HFEA earlier this week showed that the public was mostly "at ease" with the proposals once the full research implications had been explained.

Researchers want to create hybrid embryos known as cytoplasmic embryos by merging human cells with animal eggs.

In May, the Government published the Human Tissue and Embryos Bill, which proposed a regulation-making power that could lead to the creation of cytoplasmic embryos.

Such embryos are more than 99% human, with an animal component representing around 0.1%. The embryos are made using eggs from rabbits or cows and genetic material from human donors.

Scientists say they could provide them with a plentiful supply of stem cells for studies into new treatments.

The research involves transferring nuclei containing DNA from human cells, such as skin cells, to animal eggs that have had almost all their genetic information removed.

Some religious and pro-life groups have objected to the proposals. Some opposed mixing human and animal material on ethical grounds while others disagree with creating embryos that are destined to be destroyed.