Retired NFL superstar Tom Brady has shared a deeply personal story, revealing he has been living with a clone of his cherished dog, Lua, for approximately two years. the revelation came alongside news of his expanding business ventures in the field of genetics and biotechnology.
A Loss felt Deeply Drives Cloning Decision
The six-time Super Bowl champion, widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history, experienced profound grief when Lua, his pit bull, passed away in December 2023. Unable to cope with the loss,Brady turned to innovative cloning technology to bring a part of Lua back into his life. He adopted Junie, the clone, with his former wife, Gisele Bündchen.
Non-Invasive Cloning Technology Utilized
Brady explained that he collaborated with Colossal Biosciences, a company pioneering genetic technologies, utilizing their “non-invasive” cloning process. This technique involves obtaining a blood sample from the pet, preserving cells that hold the genetic blueprint, before the animal’s death. Colossal Biosciences subsequently acquired Viagen Pets and Equine, further solidifying its position in the pet cloning sector.
The Rising Trend of Pet Cloning
Brady is not alone in exploring pet cloning as a way to cope with loss. In a similar situation, footballer Aaron Ramsey reportedly sought to recover his lost dog in Mexico, and at one point considered utilizing cloning services, despite their meaningful cost. the pet cloning industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with companies like ViaGen offering canine cloning services for upwards of $50,000, according to Smithsonian Magazine. This reflects a growing willingness among pet owners to invest in technologies that extend the presence of their beloved companions.
| Feature | Customary Cloning | Non-Invasive Cloning (Colossal Biosciences) |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Source | Cell Culture from Existing Tissue | Blood Sample |
| Invasiveness | Possibly Invasive Tissue Sampling | Minimally Invasive Blood Draw |
| Timing | Can be performed on living animals | Ideally performed before pet’s passing |
Did you know? The first animal to be cloned was a sheep named Dolly in 1996, revolutionizing the field of genetic engineering.
Pro Tip: When considering pet cloning, thoroughly research the company’s practices, ethical considerations, and the long-term health implications for the cloned animal.
the Science Behind Cloning: A Deeper Look
Cloning isn’t about creating an exact replica of a pet’s personality or memories; it’s about replicating their genetic code. The resulting clone will share the same DNA,but environmental factors and individual experiences will shape their behavior and temperament. The process involves somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), where the nucleus of a donor cell (from the animal to be cloned) is transferred into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. this egg is then stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo, which is implanted into a surrogate mother.
The ethical implications of pet cloning continue to be debated. Concerns revolve around animal welfare, the potential for genetic defects, and the commodification of life. However, proponents argue that cloning can offer comfort to grieving pet owners and preserve valuable genetic traits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Cloning
- What is pet cloning? Pet cloning is the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an animal.
- Is a cloned dog exactly the same as the original? No, while a clone has the same DNA, personality and behavior are also shaped by environment and experiences.
- How much does it cost to clone a pet? The cost of cloning a pet can range from $50,000 to over $100,000.
- Is pet cloning ethical? The ethics of pet cloning are debated, with concerns about animal welfare and commodification.
- What is somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)? SCNT is the process used in cloning, involving transferring the nucleus of a donor cell into an egg cell.
Brady’s decision sparks a larger conversation about the evolving relationship between humans and their animal companions. What are your thoughts on pet cloning? Do you believe it offers a healthy way to cope with pet loss, or does it raise ethical concerns?
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