The UK has recently scored another first in embryo research and stem cell development. Its scientists have created an embryo which is partly human and partly animal. The embryo, which survived for almost three days, was created by blending of genetic material from humans and cows. The team claims that it is not an attempt at creating a living organism.

Dr Lyle Armstrong and his team from North East England Stem Cell Institute of Newcastle University, made this breakthrough. Dr Armstrong made this announcement while presenting the preliminary data, during a lecture in Israel. However, the data has not yet been validated.

Prof John Burn, the head of the Newcastle University’s Institute of Human Genetics, conceded that since cells were grown from animal eggs, they cannot be used in treating patients due to safety grounds.

They are now working on ways in which the cells would continue to survive and divide for up to a week. This would result in a cell cluster of a pinhead's size and would begin to form a proper embryo. With that happening, they foresee a greater understanding of human embryos and the process of genes switching on and off during early stages of embryo development. They claim that this would give the scientists a better understanding about rare diseases. Prof Burns added that this research is in its early experimental stage only and that presently, it is neither an embryo nor an organism.

Meanwhile, various pro-life groups, as well as The Roman Catholic Church, want an immediate ban on it. The British parliament is going have a vote on this issue within a month's time.