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> January 14, 2000:
Hour One: A Primate Clone / A Plant Menace
Scientists reported this week that they have made yet another advance in cloning research, and this time, the animals cloned are primates. The method the scientists used is different from that used to produce the famous "Dolly" lamb clone. By separating clusters of cells in a very early stage of embryo development called a blastomere, the researchers were able to artificially produce sets of identical monkey fetuses -- artificial twins, triplets, and quadruplets. Those cells were then implanted into surrogate mothers to develop. 4 out of 13 trials resulted in pregnancies, and there was one live birth, a healthy female monkey the researchers named "Tetra."
Offspring produced through this technique are not identical to either of their parents, unlike Dolly. However, within a group of cloned offspring, the cells are completely genetically identical, both in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Dolly's cells seemed to contain nuclear DNA from one source and mitochondrial DNA from another, making her what is known as a genetic chimera -- a mixture of two organisms. In addition, the telomeres (the "caps" on the ends of chromosomes thought to be responsible for cell aging) of the new monkey clones are a normal "young" length. Dolly's telomeres were shorter than normal, causing some scientists to theorize that her cells will become old while she is still relatively young.
What does this report (published in this week's edition of the journal Science) mean to cloning researchers? And, more importantly, now that scientists have cloned monkeys, can humans be far off? Call in with your questions and comments for one of the researchers, as we talk about current - and future - cloning activities.
We'll also take a look at a possible threat to the nation's trees - the Asian Longhorned Beetle. In 14 states around the country, an inch-long beetle has been found that can voraciously bore circular holes into the bark of trees, eventually killing them. They attack many different hardwood trees, including Norway, sugar, silver, and red maple, horsechestnut, poplar, willow, elm, mulberry, and black locust. Once they're found in a stand of trees, there is no good treatment. The only remedy involves cutting down the trees, chipping the wood, and then burning in an effort to contain the infestation. | The beetle is not native to the United States, and so has no known predators to help contain it. Even in China, the beetle's home, it has few predators and is a danger to woodlands. Researchers believe the beetle has been entering the U.S. in wooden crates containing shipments of goods from China. Inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible for trying to prevent alien invaders such as the beetle from entering the country, are trying to block its entry through quarantine, fumigation, and inspection of shipments - but they have not been able to stop the beetle so far. |  | What's the story of the Asian Longhorned Beetle - and is there anything that can be done to stop it before it becomes the gypsy moth of the 21st century? We'll be talking with beetle experts and gardening gurus - so don't miss your chance to call in.
Asian Longhorned Beetles have been found in
warehouses (red dots) and in the wild (yellow stars). | 
The beetles can quickly bore multiple holes
in hardwood trees as they feed. |
Guests:
Gerald Schatten
Senior Scientist, Division of Reproductive Health
Chairman, Women's Health Research
Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Cell and Developmental Biology
Oregon Regional Primate Research Center
Beaverton, Oregon
Ralph Snodsmith
Host, "The Garden Hotline"
WOR Radio
New York, New York
Joseph Gittleman
Asian Longhorned Beetle Project Supervisor
United States Department of Agriculture
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Amityville, New York
Books/Articles Discussed:
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- " Clonal Propagation of Primate Offspring by Embryo Splitting," by A.W.S. Chan, T. Dominiko, C.M. Luetjens, E. Neuber, C. Martinovich, L. Hewitson, C. R. Simerly, and G. P. Schatten. Science, January 14, 2000.
| | Related Links:
- Oregon Regional Primate Research Center
San Francisco Chronicle: Efforts to Clone Monkeys Illustrate the Potential Hazards for Humans...
New Scientist Planet Science | Cloning Report: Everything you always wanted to
Scientific American: Explorations: A Clone in Sheep's Clothing: 3/97
CNN - Scientists: Cloned sheep Dolly has 'old' DNA - May 27, 1999
USDA APHIS: Asian Longhorned Beetle
Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis): A New Introduction
Asian longhorned beetle - video clips This segment produced by:
Annette Heist
Web producer:
Charles Bergquist
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