Finally, some genetic modification I can sink my teeth into!

August 22, 2001 6:01 AM

Finally, some genetic modification I can sink my teeth into! Wired reports this morning that an Australian researcher has identified the genetic characteristics for "tenderness" and "toughness" in cow muscle tissue. Aussie cattle ranchers are already gearing up to produce animals that result in more tender, juicier beef. I'm drooling already.
posted by briank (14 comments total)

Yeah, but doesn't that toughness come from strong muscles and excercise? I'd be willing to bet that these juicy cows won't be able to stand up.
posted by nprigoda at 6:10 AM on August 22, 2001

More importantly, can they identify similar genetic characteristics in humans.
posted by DyRE at 6:23 AM on August 22, 2001

Does this mean that the cow will be all floppy? That might be amusing for a bit, but I'm sure the cow won't dig on it quite as much.
posted by jgooden at 6:41 AM on August 22, 2001

gross.
posted by kv at 6:51 AM on August 22, 2001

nprigoda -- the same researcher does indicate that it is influenced by exercise, but not entirely.

jgooden -- shades of "Boneless Chicken Ranch", eh?
posted by briank at 7:16 AM on August 22, 2001

I'm holding out for boneless. Maybe slug genes would do the trick. How about adding chloroplasts so we don't have to feed them. Green leather would be icing on the cake.
posted by gimli at 7:17 AM on August 22, 2001

why not go all the way and create a transgenic species of bovine corn? behold...the Beef Fields of Iowa!
posted by Vetinari at 7:37 AM on August 22, 2001

Better yet, why not modify ourselves so we can eat plastic and breathe car exhaust. We're probably slowly evolving in that direction already.
posted by gimli at 7:56 AM on August 22, 2001

Mmm, Stem Cell Steak.
posted by waxpancake at 8:19 AM on August 22, 2001

scientists have yet to invent tape that can be used over and over and over.
posted by mcsweetie at 8:46 AM on August 22, 2001

Maybe they'll create genetically engineered cows whose muscle tissue is already ground.
Do you want fries with that?
posted by matteo at 11:00 AM on August 22, 2001

Remember the "Boneless Chicken Ranch" from the Far Side? I miss Gary's genius...
posted by fooljay at 11:13 AM on August 22, 2001

I can't wait for Animal 57.
posted by darukaru at 6:20 PM on August 22, 2001

Like kibo said -- I wonder what Animals 1-56 were.
posted by briank at 7:09 PM on August 22, 2001