The things they can do nowadays.

Scientists make technological and medical advances on a daily basis. In 2013, scientists used stem cells and cartilage to grow a human ear on a rat’s back for future transplants. Recently, completed by the same scientists, the first ever human-pig hybrid was created by injecting human stem cells into a pig embryo. Although only living to be a mere four weeks old, they are working out biological issues to increase the lifespan of the organism. This hybrid is called a Chimera, which is a breed of two or more different species. This organism was created for the sole purpose of harvesting their organs and using them for transplants in human patients.

“It’s a slippery slope when you start mixing different species. I’m not sure doing ethical things like that is the right thing even though you may gain information from that,” biology teacher Jeff Young said.

Instead of the scientists asking themselves if it’s morally right, they’re focused on what advances they can make. Many people argue that these specific scientists are abusing their abilities by “trying to play God.”

However, others see the benefits.

“I believe that by them doing that, they’re progressing science. I don’t think it’s a problem that we’re using another animal as a manufacturing mechanism. I do worry about the pigs, but I also like to eat pigs. I also know that they’re switching over from that to 3-D printing organs. We’ve been doing this for a while, too. We’ve been injecting our insulin into bacteria to make insulin for our bodies, and that’s where it comes from. Do I think it’s wrong? No. Science is progressing so I’m not as much against it,” science teacher John Darmody said.

There are many advantages of this scientifical creation, such as how it can shorten the transplant waiting lists, help humans learn more about its own species and could possibly even lead to creation of other organisms in the future.

While this can be a controversial topic with some people, most agree that there are some benefits to the work these scientists are doing.

“As long as it can be used to help humans and save someone’s life, then I support it,” junior Austin Jones said.