Over the past decade, advances in the field of cloning have allowed for the possibility of human cloning. By using the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), in which the DNA from an adult cell is transferred into an unfertilized egg, scientists have developed the ability to clone numerous types of animals related to humans. Cloning has proven to be useful in several areas of science, improving scientists' understanding of the functions of genes and the cell cycle. In addition, scientists are on the path toward using cloning in order to create organs, tissues, and other technologies useful for the treatment of humans with serious diseases.

On July 5, 1996, an adult sheep clone known as Dolly was created by using the somatic nuclear cell transfer technique and became the first clone from an adult somatic cell (Lewis 2001). Dolly marked a significant accomplishment in the field of cloning. Cloning...