I find such research to be both scary and fascinating; Amazing that we can reach such heights in our scientific discoveries, but scared about what sort of future this may entail. I know this is QUITE a stretch, but one of the first things that came in my mind was, should this sort of practice be mastered or close enough to it, I can imagine underground, shady dealings killing people just so their boss or other people of importance could live on in their body.

I want to say I doubt that a study like this would escalate to such a degree, but there have been reports of people being knocked out and losing their kidneys and such (admittedly, I mainly seen it on cartoons or movies though; it may not be THAT common). The animal cruelty does bother me some, but if it is for the good of humanity, I can tolerate it. I just can not read about what the animal may endure, especially if it is a dog or cat. Monkeys, I actually dislike so that does not bother me, and mice or rats bother me only a little. If surgeons can be trained to learn how to reconnect our complicated bodies more to help with things, then so be it, though if stem cells are more reliable, I would rather that be focused on.

Dwelling on this makes me realize this seems a little idealistic, as not everything can be just the way one wants. One can hope though!

ruesen : Remember that the head thing doesn't study putting heads on other bodies. It reattaches it to the same body. The purpose of the research was to explore possible procedures for fixing things like paralysis or other nerve conditions. So it wouldn't be a deal about killing to keep other people alive on their bodies. Although i suppose if something like this were to continue, switching bodies COULD be a next possibility....

rcarter2 :

Yeah, I did jump the shark a bit, but it just was my initial reaction to hearing this sort of experiment. I am glad that this could give hope to people that have been told they would be paralyzed for life, but I can just see people of the world turning such a hopeful sentiment into another way to make money and/or trying to find a way to be some sort of immortal.

Only time can tell though and no use really worrying about it too much.

ruesen : Well this research has kind of been dead. Nobody wants to do a human trial and stem cells have become a better option for a cure for paralysis. It does continue somewhat with animals, but most people see it as "inhumane".

  Well, with the new stem cell technology, it could be possible but, you have to know that this took place in the 1970's and the monkey turned out to be completely paralyzed.
  It would be amazing to know that this would be possible. 
  With this you could literally be immortal.  You would have all your memories from your past, you have your same personality, just another body. It's a great deal to think about, considering this would be an ethical and a scientific thing.
  I really think this should be more researched.

Koiku357 : I thought of the same thing however there are two problems...

1. The Head will still age and I think Humanity would look wierd with 90 year old heads on 30 year old bodies.

2. Alzheimer's disease pretty much will still be around as it infects the brain and once you get Alzheimer's your pretty much going to die (unless stem cells show that they can cure Alzheimers.)

Oldschool41 : 1. Very good point, although, you don't have to just transfer a head.  You could transfer just the brain and have it be a whole completely new body.
2.  Another very good point, but by the time we are able replicate another successful head transplant or even brain transplant, who knows how far the medical sciences could have gone. Heck, by that time we could have a cure for nearly everything.

No, That is creepy and gross! I wouldn't do it to save my life. I would rather die then pay 100,000 dollars for a surgery that has a 10% success rate and live for three months paralyzed just so I have enough time to plan my own funeral. So no.

Oldschool41 : There is much in life that scares me, this is up there as something that would scare me had I seen it firsthand. Just reading about it is scary. Although I can see the benefits of the research to a degree what I really think should be done is for the scientists around the world need to find cures for disease. It should be a main priority as far as I’m concern. It just boggles my mind that in an age where technology is ever advancing somehow there remains no universal answer to end disease.

I know this probably sounds like a paranoid conspiracy theory but I honestly think that one of the reasons, if not the main reason that you don’t see cures released as knowledge is because there are those who profit off of the sick and suffering. It’s pretty despicable if you ask me and I admit that I am not the best when it comes to math but it seems like something doesn’t really add up.

I will also admit that I am sentimental at heart. I just feel that there are more important things in life than money and that if cures were universally released and if the healthcare system was easier for people to get adequate access for the things they need without worry of cost or if their insurance carrier will cover the cost, the world would be a much better place. Like I said I admit I’m sentimental and even a bit soft but that would put an end to so much suffering and would eliminate so much stress for those who are in those situations where they have to rely on their insurance for medical necessities.