“Retro” was the name given to the first cloned rhesus monkey to survive for more than a day. His survival brought both hope and questions about the advancement of primate cloning and its potential for biomedical research. Hailed as a milestone in science, Retro’s birth raised ethical debates about the limits of genetic manipulation and the breeding of animals for experimental purposes.

Revolutionary experiment

The revolutionary experiment that led to the birth of Retro, the first cloned rhesus monkey to survive more than a day, was certainly a milestone in science. Using advanced cloning techniques, researchers were able to successfully replicate the genetic material of a rhesus monkey and create a genetically identical copy.

This experiment opened new horizons in biomedical research, offering opportunities to study genetic diseases, develop personalized therapies and explore the mechanisms of aging. Furthermore, Retro's survival for more than a day was a significant step towards the feasibility of primate cloning, which could have important implications for regenerative medicine and the conservation of endangered species.

However, this breakthrough also raised ethical and moral questions about the use of cloning in living beings, especially primates, due to concerns about animal welfare and the potential abuse of the technology. Therefore, while the experiment was revolutionary in scientific terms, it also generated important debates about the limits of genetic manipulation and the role of ethics in biomedical research.

Expectations for the future

The prospects for the future of cloning and biomedical research are both exciting and challenging. Based on the advances made to date, we can expect primate, and perhaps even human, cloning to become more common. This could lead to new insights into genetic diseases, embryonic development, and personalized therapies.

Furthermore, cloning can be a powerful tool in the conservation of endangered species, allowing the reproduction of genetically valuable animals to prevent extinction.

However, there are complex ethical issues to consider, such as the welfare of cloned animals, the potential for abuse such as human reproduction for non-medical reasons, and the impact on the genetic diversity of populations.

Therefore, while we hope that research will continue to advance and bring significant benefits, it is important that this is done responsibly, carefully considering the ethical and social implications of such advances.