(UK/JP) GM pigs are both meat and veg

[Guest guest]

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99991841

 

GM pigs are both meat and veg

 

12:30 25 January 02

Emma Young

 

Pigs implanted with spinach genes have been created by

Japanese scientists, according to unconfirmed local

newspaper reports. The team claims it is the first to

successfully insert a plant gene into an animal.

 

The pigs reportedly contain a gene called FAD2, which

converts saturated fat into an unsaturated fat called

linoleic acid. Akira Iritani, at Kinki University in

western Japan, who led the research, says the

genetically modified pigs contain 20 per cent less

saturated fat than normal pigs - and so could be

healthier to eat.

 

" I know genetically-modified food has met with poor

public acceptance, but I hope safety tests will be

conducted to make people feel like eating the pork for

the sake of their health, " said Iritani.

 

The pigs were born three and a half years ago. Iritani

says he wanted to be sure the genetic modification

would be passed down through offspring before

revealing details of his work. To date, the

modification has been confirmed in three generations

of pigs and seven generations of mice, he says.

 

Animal health groups in the UK have been quick to

condemn Iritani's work. " We are absolutely staggered

by the reports of this research, " said Vicky Robinson

of the UK's Royal Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals. " It is totally disgraceful. "

 

However, Iritani is yet to publish his research, and

numerous animal biotechnology experts contacted by New

Scientist say they have had no previous hint of the

experiments.

 

Iritani has been researching pig biology for over 20

years. He is also known as the leader of a maverick

team hoping to isolate and clone mammoth DNA.

 

12:30 25 January 02

 

 

 

 

Great stuff seeking new owners in Auctions!

http://auctions.