Hybrid embryo research

Controversial research mixing animal and human DNA has drawn impassioned responses from supporters and opponents.

Following a four month long public consultation the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) ruled in favour of scientists being able to create hybrid embryos for stem cell research.

Applications have so far been made by two teams in the UK for a licence to create these embryos as they argue that human eggs are in short supply. They hope the research will help them to understand more about debilitating diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The HFEA said that individual applications would have to be made by research teams before they can carry out the work.

Earlier this year the government gave its backing to "inter-species entities" in the draft human tissue and embryos bill.

Opponents argue that hybrid embryos are morally wrong and that the likely benefits do not outweigh the disadvantages of interfering with human reproduction.

In a statement on its decision the HFEA said it had concluded that "there is no fundamental reason to prevent cytoplasmic (human-animal) hybrid research".

InTheNews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.