Brain organoids could spark a 'Planet of the Apes' scenario, scientists warn

As research involving transplanting lab-grown human'mini-brains' into animals to study neurological diseases continues to expand, experts warn the work with these brain organoids could result in a'Planet of the Apes' scenario. The concern is animals could develop humanized traits and start to behave similar to the intelligent apes of the popular science fiction story. The warning comes from a team at Kyoto University who released a paper highlighting a number of ethical implications that could arise with brain organoid research. Although many see brain organoids as a way to quickly develop disease treatments, others fear that because they are designed to mimic the real thing, they too may attain some form of consciousness. Experts warn the work with these brain organoids could result in a'Planet of the Apes' (pictured) scenario.