(urth) The future of cloning, continued‏

[David Stockhoff]

On 12/24/2013 9:02 AM, Lee wrote:
>> David Stockhoff: Is Doctor Talos in the house?
> Or even Doctor Crane?
>
> I'm not an expert but it seems to me the current obstacles to
> cloning animals (plants are easier) reside mostly in the
> technology being in its infancy. I think epigenetic problems
> derive mostly from the accumulated centromere shortening and
> acquired mutations found in adult animal cells.
>
> If you started your clone from a cell culled from a gastrula or
> even an embryo or fetus, I think most of the problems are avoided
> and you have your khaibit, ready to supply you blood (and body
> parts?) as needed. 		 	   		
>

Makes sense. Stem cells, in other words. And you'd want to clone a 
person at birth anyway to get a khaibit of the same age. Not to mention 
that the decision to clone you is not based on your adult 
accomplishments but your status at birth.

I wonder what happens to khaibits whose originals die. Do they take 
their place in secret? They would then be able to marry and carry on the 
family. Or are they discarded?