Researchers are blurring the lines of what it means to be human, so do our laws need to change, asks Jessica Hamzelou

In the meantime, there are plenty of scientific and technical achievements to keep ethicists and lawyers busy. “We should err on the side of generosity: if we’re uncertain of the status, we should grant the status,” says Savulescu. “Unless we’re certain this thing is closer to a pig than it is to a human, we should treat it as a human until we know more.”
Vocabulary
blur (v) – make it difficult to distinguish between two things because of their similarities


a clump of (n) – a group of things clustered together


entities (n) – living organisms, cells, structures made from human stem cells


grant (v) – (=give) to give or allow sb sth, usually officially
vague (adj) – uncertain or unclear in meaning


a judgement call (n) – a decision that is based on your opinion.
cultured (adj) – produced under artificial conditions.
magnify (v) – to exaggerate or make sth appear larger or more significant than it is
hatred (n) – an extreme emotional dislike or hostility towards sb or sth.
trait (n) – a distinguishing quality or characteristic, especially one that is genetically inherited or acquired through experience or learning.
pressing (adj) – requiring immediate action or attention; urgent.
surround (v) – to center around or be related to a particular issue or topic.
in accordance with (conj) – in agreement or conformity with a particular set of rules, principles, or norms.
chimera (n) – organisms that contain cells or DNA from two or more genetically distinct individuals or species.
circumvent (v) – to avoid a particular process or obstacle to achieve a desired outcome
lengthy (adj) – lasting for an extended period of time; long or time-consuming.
stimulate (v) – to activate or excite the brain using specific electrical or magnetic signals delivered through implanted devices.