Scientists in China Modify Cows to Produce Human Breast Milk
The future is here, and it’s both terrifying and awesome. Scientists in China have created genetically-modified dairy cows by inserting human genes into cloned cow embryos. The embryos were then placed in surrogate cows. So why would they do this? For the milk, of course.
But not just your normal, run-of-the-mill cow milk. No. These “transgenic” cows, as they’re called, is identical to human breast milk, complete with all of the same “immune-boosting and antibacterial properties” of breast milk.
Is this ethical? Professor Li Ning, the director of the project, doesn’t really seem to care. “There are 1.5 billion people in the world who don’t get enough to eat,” he said. “It’s our duty to develop science and technology, not to hold it back. We need to feed people first, before we consider ideals and convictions.”
The ultimate goal is to sell the milk as an alternative to cow milk, which is less nutritious than human milk. The modified milk is currently undergoing safety tests, but those who have tasted the milk say it is stronger tasting and sweeter than cow’s milk.
This isn’t the first genetically engineered food China has created. Known for having a more liberal approach toward genetically modified food, China has already created modified fruits and vegetables such as papayas and tomatoes, as well as insect-resistant rice and corn.
(Link)
By Lycurgus on 14-06-2011
