Human cerebral organoids: the ethical stance of scientists.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human cerebral organoids (HCOs) offer unprecedented opportunities to study the human brain in vitro, but they also raise important ethical concerns. Here we report the first systematic analysis of scientists' stance within the ethical debate.

Method

Twenty-one in-depth semi-structured interviews were analyzed through a constant comparative method to highlight how the ethical concerns filter in the laboratory.

Results

The results suggest that the potential emergence of consciousness is not yet seen with concern. However, there are some features of HCO research that need to be better accounted for. Communication to the public, the use of terms such as "mini-brains", and informed consent appear to be the most pressing concerns of the scientific community. None

SUBMITTER: Lavazza A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10068143 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature