A Rhesus Monkey Cloned in the Lab Survives for Over Two Years
In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully cloned a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) that has not only survived but thrived for over two years. This remarkable feat marks a significant advancement in primate cloning, as previous attempts had resulted in limited success, with cloned embryos often failing to develop properly or surviving only for a short period of time. The researchers utilized a modified technique that focused on improving the development of the cloned embryo's placenta, a critical factor in the survival of the clone.
Cloning, specifically somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), involves the transfer of genetic material from a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell. This method, famously used to create Dolly the Sheep i...