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Twin Inc.

Rose Hershenov1,2, Derek Doroski3

  • 1Department of Philosophy, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY, USA. rhershenov@niagara.edu.

Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
|September 1, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human spontaneous embryonic chimeras form through incorporation, where one embryo integrates cells from another, rather than fusion synthesis. This new model better explains development and resolves philosophical debates on embryo persistence.

Keywords:
ChimeraFusionHuman embryo

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Embryology
  • Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

  • The prevalent philosophical view posits embryonic chimeras arise from two embryos fusing into a new entity (synthesis).
  • This synthesis model faces challenges in explaining certain chimera formations and developmental processes.
  • Existing models struggle with philosophical puzzles regarding human embryo persistence from fertilization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose an alternative mechanism for human spontaneous embryonic chimera formation.
  • To challenge the traditional synthesis model with a novel hypothesis.
  • To offer a more consistent and explanatory account of embryonic chimerism.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of existing embryological data.
  • Comparative evaluation of the synthesis and incorporation models.
  • Philosophical argumentation regarding developmental consistency and implications.

Main Results:

  • Introduction of the 'incorporation' thesis as a mechanism for chimera formation.
  • Demonstration that incorporation better explains observed embryonic development patterns.
  • Identification of incorporation as more consistent with current embryological knowledge than synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • The incorporation model provides a more robust explanation for human spontaneous embryonic chimeras.
  • This model resolves philosophical issues surrounding embryo identity and persistence.
  • Incorporation offers a scientifically grounded alternative to the synthesis theory.