China clones gene-edited monkeys for sleep disorder research

Chinese scientists have made clones of a gene-edited macaque to aid research of circadian rhythm disorders that are linked to sleep problems, depression and Alzheimer's disease. 

It was the first time multiple clones had been made from a gene-edited monkey for biomedical research, the agency said. The clones were born at the Institute of Neuroscience at the China Academy of Sciences in Shanghai. 

A gene-edited monkey most prone to the disorder was selected as a donor, and its fibroblasts were used to make five cloned monkeys, Xinhua said, citing National Science Review, a Chinese journal. 

The official China Daily said the clones would pave the way for more research into such problems in humans, which have become a major mental health concern. 

The cloned monkeys already show signs of "negative behavior", including sleep disorders, as well as elevated levels of anxiety and "schizophrenia-like behaviors", the paper added. 

Xinhua said the program, supervised by the institute's ethics panel, was in line with international ethical standards for animal research. 
 

Vocabulary/Expressions: 
1. - macaque - a medium-sized monkey from Africa or Asia 
2. - clone - animal or plant that has been produced artificially 
3. - pave the way - make progress or development 
 

Questions: 
1. What role do these monkeys play in the experiment? 
2. Highlight the relevance of the aforementioned research. 
3. From your own point of view, what is the future of genomics? 
4. How could gene-editing change the world? 
5. Should scientists stop using animals in their studies? Justify your answer.