Can cloning save endangered species? No. It would weaken the population. People might consider the cloning of beef cattle as a practical application, creating more standardized product for human consumption. However, bacteria take advantage of "sameness." Should a disease enter the livestock population, all those identical immune systems could be wiped out by a single strain. And *human* clones (if it came to that) would not only cause a weakened population but would likely be as misunderstood as cloning itself.
Cloning on an organismal scale seems to have little productive application (aside from cloning laboratory animals, as test groups are composed of genetic "copies" that are currently developed using extensive inbreeding), but let's step back and consider other uses for the technology. Instead of producing an entire organism, scientists/doctors can use a person's own cells and DNA to propagate tissue and generate organs. Your body will probably not reject a kidney "transplant" that is made of your own cells. – So, in short, cloning holds promise but people need to be sensible, ethical, and cautious in its applications.
The real topic of this week's comic is funding and budgets. It's all anyone seems to be talking about now. Cuts all over the place… And my final comment (wow, do I have a lot to say) regards the title of this week's comic. I mentally listed every ewe, ram, sheep, copy, clone, and lamb pun I could think of. Finally, this title came to me. It is one that will make two people groan and the rest scratch their heads in confusion – which is exactly the way I like my humor. ~_^
Comments
Please login to comment.
Login or Register${ comment.author }} at
${ comment.author }} at