American Scientists Attempt to Sequence John Lennon's Genetic Code from the Beatle's Tooth
Edmonton, Alberta (PRWEB) August 16, 2013 -- John Lennon's tooth is going under the microscope in a US lab with scientists considering ways to extract the genetic code from the fragile specimen owned by Canadian dentist-tooth collector Dr. Michael Zuk. "I am nervous and excited at the possibility that we will be able to fully sequence John Lennon's DNA, very soon I hope. With researchers working on ways to clone mammoths, the same technology certainly could make human cloning a reality," says Dr. Zuk.
The dentist attracted attention from skeptics for purchasing the rotten molar for over $30,000 US at a UK auction in 2011, with commentary from Bill O'Reilly and Anderson Cooper (making the Ridiculist). Dr. Zuk is standing firm with his conviction that the investment could be one of the best decisions of his life. Zuk says "to potentially say I had a small part in bringing back one of Rock's greatest stars would be mind-blowing.
Other interesting considerations related to this story include:
*How future human cloning of the ultra-rich and famous could become the rage.
*New challenges to the laws that could need to recognize the legal rights of human clones.
*How the top cellular biologists of the world are following this story, with one commenting 'it can be done'.
The molar has been busy since being sold by the Beatle's former housekeeper. It participated in a number of charitable ventures including a tour of the UK to raise awareness of mouth cancer, a line of John Lennon DNA pendants, a number of television appearances and a celebrity DNA documentary. The exact details of the scientific research is being kept confidential, but if sequencing is possible, the dentist has approved tests to be conducted to gain insight into Lennon's genes for a UK documentary on celebrity genetics.
The website dedicated to the John Lennon Tooth project may be found at JohnLennonDNA.com.
michael zuk, professional corp, http://www.johnlennondna.com, +1 (403)3420161, [email protected]
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