Cloning Fido

[drgoodtrips]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28899592/

I thought this was interesting (and bizarre - the woman being interviewed sounds like a complete airhead). I believe this is the first instance of using cloning to create a copy of a deceased pet. Seems to have a whole world of ethical/procedural ramifications.

I wonder if this kind of thing will eventually be used to 'replace' children that die at a young age.

[Dominick]

What are those ethical ramifications actually ? Technically-genetically speaking clones are no more 'weird' or 'unnatural' than identical twins. One wouldn't have the same pet or child from cloning anymore than one has it when having twins. The genome does not describe every single neuron in the brain and even less every connection between those. And it's precisely these neurons and their connections that emerge as identity. The precise nature of the growing brain is heavily dependent upon environmental factors such as amount of food, nature of food, care or lack thereof, nurture, experiences, stimulation and whatnot.
People can clone AH for all I care. They're likely to end up with 'that dumb butcher shop's assistant that looks like AH' rather than with a tyrant.

[Michael]

People can clone AH for all I care. They're likely to end up with 'that dumb butcher shop's assistant that looks like AH' rather than with a tyrant.
Did you not read "Boys from Brazil"???

They took clones of AH and then manufactured a home environment to closely mimic AH's upbringing.

[drgoodtrips]

I remember that book, though I read it as a teenager, so not very well. Didn't it start with the 'random' murders of a bunch of fathers with one child?

[Michael]

I remember that book, though I read it as a teenager, so not very well. Didn't it start with the 'random' murders of a bunch of fathers with one child?
My memory on the book is a bit fuzzy too (movie was pretty cool too). As far as I recall, it was considered 'necessary' to kill the boy's father to produce the 'proper' stimulus for the budding AH.

The point being that people are already well aware that clones need to 'manipulated' in a socio-cultural way to create an actually similar person.

In other words, if little Fido originally came from a dog-pound, then that's where clone-puppy Fido ought to be sent when he's really young - if the owner wants clone-Fido to actually 'act' like Fido and not just look like him.

(and no, I'm not saying that if one exactly duplicates the life, the clone will turn out the same!)

[Dominick]

Did you not read "Boys from Brazil"???

They took clones of AH and then manufactured a home environment to closely mimic AH's upbringing.
Nope, never even heard of it.


(and no, I'm not saying that if one exactly duplicates the life, the clone will turn out the same!)
So what's the problem then ?
'They' could completely and accurately recreate AH's entire youth through virtual reality and you'd still not come anywhere close. All the brains would still be different and thus also the personalities.
But admittedly, having a few thousand non-tyrant AH lookalikes walking the streets would not be a very appealing idea.

[Americano]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28899592/

I thought this was interesting (and bizarre - the woman being interviewed sounds like a complete airhead). I believe this is the first instance of using cloning to create a copy of a deceased pet. Seems to have a whole world of ethical/procedural ramifications.

I wonder if this kind of thing will eventually be used to 'replace' children that die at a young age.

Did the NASCAR affiliation and $155k surprise you?

[Multiplum]

What are those ethical ramifications actually ? Technically-genetically speaking clones are no more 'weird' or 'unnatural' than identical twins. One wouldn't have the same pet or child from cloning anymore than one has it when having twins. The genome does not describe every single neuron in the brain and even less every connection between those. And it's precisely these neurons and their connections that emerge as identity. The precise nature of the growing brain is heavily dependent upon environmental factors such as amount of food, nature of food, care or lack thereof, nurture, experiences, stimulation and whatnot.
People can clone AH for all I care. They're likely to end up with 'that dumb butcher shop's assistant that looks like AH' rather than with a tyrant.

I was going to write something along those lines, only less eloquently.

That woman is quite weird, though. Just get a new one.

Also... I don't see the problem with cloning. As you already pointed out, identical twins are in fact clones. Your personality and traits are a result of your experiences, not your genetic code.

It's funny how the least fit reproduce the most. Humans are weird animals.

[Greendruid]

"Thank God the money is gone and he is here"

Sums it up nicely for me - a fool and her money ...

[Americano]

"Thank God the money is gone and he is here"

Sums it up nicely for me - a fool and her money ...

Especially with unknown numbers of that breed being put down daily for lack of homes. Makes me sick.

[Michael]

Especially with unknown numbers of that breed being put down daily for lack of homes. Makes me sick.
Actually, given what's happening to many of the 'breeding lines' of pure bred dogs, I'm not surprised that people would turn to cloning. I know the Black Lab is one of the worst (inbred pelvis problems, many can't walk by age 5). I know several people who've had black labs and have now switched to 'mutts' because of the problems.

[The Drunk Guy]

I've often wondered about the attraction of "pure breeding." Personally, if an animal is cute, I like it. It doesn't matter if it's a certain type or has a certain bloodline. Plus, mutts and strays are free. Fuck paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for a dog. They all eat, shit, fuck, and like getting attention just the same.