I recently heard about several British scientists who are attempting to create a hybrid human-cow embryo. Recent updates to this story have stated they were able to do so successfully and the little critter cell actually lived for three days. Now, I am no scientist nor do I profess to be a fan of biological processes, but I was intrigued. I needed to learn more about this but in a Barney-level sort of way. So I went here and got the basics.

Again, I am not Dr. Mommazilla so don't expect to find the scientific process fully explained here but in essence, the scientists are in the ultimate search for stem cells. Stem cells are great in that they can practically become any kind of cell you need them to be - which can obviously be a lifesaver in many types of illnesses or diseases. Scientists have to walk a very thin line in this area because stem cells have typically been derived from human embryos and during the process the embryos can be destroyed.

To get around this ethical dilemma (which I won't even began to comment on or tackle - way above my line of expertise or understanding) they are using a cow egg and human cells to try and create new stem cells. The cow nucleus is eventually sucked out with a mini Dyson and then replaced with human cells (cloning's involved but way too techincal for me to comprehend). It's much easier to get eggs out of 'ole Bessie than it is out of a human gal - and I would imagine a lot cheaper, too. Many people have their own thoughts on this and some people have ethical concerns over the fact that even though you're not destroying human life, you're possibly degrading it.

I dunno what to think. It freaks me out a bit that we're playing so much with nature but in the same breath, I have relatives with cancer who potentially could live much longer with successful research. At one point do we say we've taken it too far? I know that's way too much of an ethical dilemma for me to tackle and it's one that's been argued millions of times by people much smarter than 'ole Mommazilla. But, I'd be willing to bet there is many more people like me, who don't really understand what's going on and fear the unknown that may be created during these experiments. We seriously need Barney, Spongebob, or even Barbie to do a series on stem cell research; then the masses would listen.

This blog has left me feeling as thought I'm in way over my head in the area of science. But, I wanted to address it because this area really interests me. Plus, I had my own suggestions as to other animals they should consider besides the bovine factor - in the case that they ever accidently raise some sort of hybrid animal. I even have photographic evidence to support my stance...

Cowman

Alas, they've chosen to use an egg from a cow. Don't scientists know that many women feel as though their part cow during sometime or another in their lives? From bloating to lactating fortitude, I think most women agree that a bovine-human connection would be overdoing it on the ladies.

Fishman

Why not fish cell? Certainly, the ability to swim underwater and then walk the land, could be a huge bonus. I'm sure the smell would be horrendous and people would have to buy stock in skin moisturizers due to dry scale issues, but heck, you take your good with your bad.

Pigman

How about a little piggy with your human? Communal mud baths, troughs, and overall lack of hygiene would be rampant but at least we'd all be a little more "green" since most trash would be consumed and we'd provide our own manure for compost. This cellular combination would certainly be the most stinky of the bunch.

Now, here are two suggestions that I'm strongly opposed to and you'll see why.

Catman

Obviously, cats are known for being self-absorbed and not giving a damn to those around them. Scientists made this unsuccessful combination only to find that the creatures spent far too much on plastic surgery and cans of albacore tuna. They were also often arrested for indecent exposure due to their incessent need for public bathing (think - tongue and hand-paw).

Dogman

Scientists have already created this combination, with little success. Perceived to be the most loyal and loving of the bunch, this breed has been by far the least impressive. They are unable to create appropriate styling for their families - dabbling and taking a strong liking to leather. They've been a cantankerous bunch exhibiting trouble getting along with other "dawgs," and ongoing barking they can't seem to stop when they should.

I've obviously taken a very serious subject and had some fun with it. Do you have any thoughts? Any other animal combos you'd suggest ;o) ? What do YOU think?