Recently, a group of Chinese scientists published a very controversial study which experimented on genetically engineering monkeys carrying the human autism gene. The purpose of the study is for the scientists to deeply understand the disorder and eventually find a cure for it.
In order to engineer a monkey with an autism gene, the scientists had to create test tube monkeys then attach MECP2 genes to a harmless virus which they then injected into the eggs of macaque monkeys. The eggs were then fertilized and implanted into female monkeys, according to reports. The process of the experiment has made the study widely controversial.
Lead scientist, Zilong Qiu has since spoken up about the positive results and unorthodox methods of his research.
"As compared to the wild type monkeys, MECP2 transgenic monkeys gained weight more slowly, had fatty acid metabolism abnormalities, exhibited a higher frequency of repetitive circular locomotion and showed increased stress responses in threat-related anxiety tests. Most importantly, the transgenic monkeys showed less social interaction time with wild-type monkeys and also a reduced interaction time when paired with other transgenic monkeys in social interaction tests" quipped Qiu.
He is hopeful that that results of his research would lead to figuring out how to cure autism. However the study has already been met with staunch opposition especially regarding its maltreatment of animals.
According to Dr. Katy Taylor, director of from Cruelty Free International, the research was very cruel to the monkeys. There were several monkeys that became very ill with some of them dying in order to come to the results. She explains that suffering might be futile considering the vast difference between humans and non-human primates. Taylor insisted that developing techniques that would not make use of monkeys in research is imperative.
The scientists were quick to reassure them that all ethical standards have been followed for the research.
