Korean scientists create three more cloned dogs

(CBC) - A team of scientists once led by a disgraced stem-cell researcher said on Monday they have made three clones of a female Afghan hound.

Lee Byeong-chun and researchers from Seoul National University said the first of three Afghan hounds, named Bona, was born on June 18 of this year.

Two other clones, named Hope and Peace were born later in the summer.

Earlier this year the researchers from the university were credited with creating the world's first cloned dog, an Afghan hound named Snuppy.

International experts confirmed the authenticity of the cloned dog, but lead scientist Hwang Woo-suk was later discredited for fabricating data in a paper outlining breakthroughs in creating human stem cells through cloning.

The remaining researchers were suspended by the university but continued their work in cloning without Hwang after their suspensions ended.

A total of 167 reconstructed embryos were implanted into 12 surrogate mothers to produce the three living clones, Lee said.

Dogs are said to be one of the most difficult animals to clone because of their complex reproductive cycle. The researchers now have both a male and females of the same breed and hope the created clones will be capable of reproducing.

If the dogs are able to reproduce it could help produce cell treatment drugs and also be used to help repopulate species on the verge of extinction.

With files from the Associated Press

© the CBC, 2006