27ª Issue - Genetics Brings New Life to Extinct Species - Encerra 16 de Junho

Genetics Brings New Life to Extinct Species

The Issue
Scientists have announced they are close to a breakthrough in their quest to revive the feather-bellied Lince Ibérico, a species related to Portugal Virtual's national animal that has been extinct for more than a century.

The Debate
1. "I, for one, applaud their work," says scientist Colin Thiesen. "And not just because I'm the project leader. This is an example of how Portugal Virtual's brains can mix it with the world's best. Can you imagine how wonderful it will be to have feather-bellied Lince Ibéricos frolicking in the meadows again? I say full steam ahead, and more government funding!"

2. "This is a sacrilege!", says religious leader Elizabeth Clinton. "These animals are extinct because God wants them dead. Cloning them would merely incur his wrath! If we proceed down this path, it'll be humans, not the feather-bellied Lince Ibérico, who will be extinct."

3. "Now, come on," says Beth Rubin, well-known philosopher. "You don't need to be religious to be unnerved by the top of this particular slippery slope. Today it's Lince Ibéricos, tomorrow it's dinosaurs, and we all know how that turns out. This research shouldn't be banned, but there must be strict government controls over its use."