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KMID : 1172020230240020019
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Journal of Korean Bioethics Association
2023 Volume.24 No. 2 p.19 ~ p.46
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Ethical and social implications of human brain organoid research: In-depth interview study with professional researchers
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Kim Sang-Hyun
Hong Suk-Young
Choo Jung-Wan
Nam Seung-Min
Choi Eun-Kyung
Yoo Sang-Ho
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Abstract
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Human brain organoid technology is advancing rapidly, bringing forth ethical, legal, and social challenges. This study aims to investigate the awareness and understanding of brain organoids among professional researchers in Korea and explore their implications. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 specialists to gain insights into their perspectives. Researchers generally perceive brain organoids as either "clumps of cells" or "little brains." They consider them as tools for experimentation rather than entities with significant ethical implications. Brain organoids are thought to bear greater resemblance to the developing brain than the adult brain. Ethical considerations revolve around the importance of the human brain in shaping identity and consciousness. Brain organoids themselves lack consciousness and there is a lack of consensus on the definition of pain from a biological standpoint. Despite ethical concerns, many researchers favor the
implantation of human organoids into animal brains due to the potential academic benefits it offers as an advanced model. The study also explores social implications, including a SWOT analysis, societal impact, public acceptance, and commercialization of brain organoid research. Overall, this study emphasizes the need for further investigation into the ethical, legal, and social dimensions surrounding brain organoid technology.
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KEYWORD
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Organoid technology, Brain organoids, Ethical implications, Social implications
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