Lord Winston also spoke about his work, which involves transgenetic animals, changing genes by changing sperm. This may have an implication for animal to human organ transplants and tackling the problematic cell recognition. His latest ground breaking investigative research has pioneered techniques in transferring germ cells from the testes of one male into the testes of another. It means males will be able to act as surrogate fathers carrying another males sperm and fathering offspring that are not genetically their own. As Winston explains the work has important implications for males undergoing x-ray treatments for cancer - which kill off sperm cells.
Lord Winston conceded that throughout history there had been many examples of misapplied or bad science and that remains a scientific weakness; human observation can lead to reinforcement of a social bias. He implored the use of scientific modesty: science isn't 'truth'. "In fact," he said, "the more we investigate, the more we understand how the subtleties in the environment can have a large effect on development."
The Colton Memorial Lecture was given by Lord Winston on Tuesday 29th April. He posed the pressing and controversial question, "When does life begin?" to the audience of current and past students.
He demonstrated that conception was not a single, instantaneous moment, but a process of around 40 days. He maintained that human life begins with the development of the mind and of consciousness, which he considers the core of life. He spoke about the relationship of ethical principles and scientific understanding surrounding reproduction. "Ethics need to be informed by the best possible science," stated Lord Winston.
