U.S. Scientists Propose Using Brain-Dead Bodies for Medical Research

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Four prominent U.S. scientists have ignited a significant bioethical debate by proposing the use of brain-dead individuals for medical experiments aimed at advancing drug research and treatment options for terminal illnesses. According to their study published in the journal Science, the team from institutions in California and New York suggests that the bodies of brain-dead patients can facilitate multiple simultaneous trials, such as testing experimental DNA editing and organ transplants from genetically modified pigs.

The researchers, including bioethicist Brendan Parent and neurologists Neel Singhal, Claire Clelland, and Douglas Pet, advocate for what they call "physiologically maintained deceased" (PMD) research models, which have not been fully explored for drug discovery. They highlight previous studies from as early as 1988 that faced ethical scrutiny with similar proposals.

Federico de Montalvo Jääskeläinen, former chair of Spain's Bioethics Committee, supports this approach under strict regulations, stating that consent from the deceased or their families is paramount. While the discussion raises ethical concerns, the scientists believe that the potential to advance science is enormous.

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