Dolly the sheep was first cloned more than thirty years ago and since then, mice, rabbits, cows and even other monkeys have been cloned using a technique called “somatic cell nuclear transfer”.

The process is notoriously difficult, with only 1 to 3 per cent of clones resulting in live births.

Now, Chinese scientists have unveiled a cloned rhesus monkey that has successfully lived into adulthood, just having turned three. Named “Retro”, he is making waves in the research community. We explore why that is, and what makes “Retro” so special.

Image: Image: Shutterstock – Chiara Paolini

Produced By: Olivia Bui

Featured In Story: Honorary Professor Jon Hill – Veterinary Science Faculty at the University of Queensland

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 17 January 2024