In the News: First cloned cat is born, scientists say. CNN.com/Health February 14, 2002

Cloning once again enters the news, but what is cloning? A clone is a large number of cells or molecules identical from its original ancestral cells or molecules¹. Various scientific methods have been devised to clone cells, molecules and animals. Cloning has had beneficial results, such as producing insulin for diabetics or factor VIII for hemophiliacs. Before cloned factor VIII, this factor had to be extracted from pools of blood. Unfortunately HIV contaminated blood killed many hemophiliacs. With cloned factor VIII this not longer is an issue. Many scientific and ethical issues exist with respect to cloning. Look for future feature articles to explain cloning in depth.

References for In the News First cloned cat is born, scientists say. CNN.com/Health February 14, 2002