The omega strain
March 26, 2006 8:55 PM Subscribe
Bacon as health food. Scientists have added a gene to a cloned pig that converts omega-6 fat to to the more healthy (and trendy) omega-3. Link to full Nature Biotechnology article (may need subscription).
Or if you add a gene to naturally give them that delicious smoky flavor?
posted by Samizdata at 9:27 PM on March 26, 2006
posted by Samizdata at 9:27 PM on March 26, 2006
Trendier, but perhaps not so much healthier:
Now a major new study suggests [traditional nutritional] advice was wrong. Scientists who reviewed 89 studies of Omega 3 fats found no clear evidence that they are of any use at all.
When you think about it, this does make sense: freshly-caught fish are always gasping for breath, suggesting that fish are no more aerobically fit than humans. ;)
posted by rob511 at 9:53 PM on March 26, 2006
Now a major new study suggests [traditional nutritional] advice was wrong. Scientists who reviewed 89 studies of Omega 3 fats found no clear evidence that they are of any use at all.
When you think about it, this does make sense: freshly-caught fish are always gasping for breath, suggesting that fish are no more aerobically fit than humans. ;)
posted by rob511 at 9:53 PM on March 26, 2006
pigfish fat makes me happy and scared.
posted by Football Bat at 9:55 PM on March 26, 2006
posted by Football Bat at 9:55 PM on March 26, 2006
In the words of Homer J. Simpson:
Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!
posted by Relay at 9:58 PM on March 26, 2006
Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod!
posted by Relay at 9:58 PM on March 26, 2006
445, how did that story work? Because the bible specifically says no pork, in addition to the hoof/cud rule.
posted by rxrfrx at 5:37 AM on March 27, 2006
posted by rxrfrx at 5:37 AM on March 27, 2006
popkinson, I think you're misrepresenting that article a bit (of course, the Beeb is too...)
That trial looked at the impact of omega-3 fats on patients with chronic heart disease and suggested the fatty acid did nothing to prevent a recurrence of these conditions.
So fish doesn't reverse chronic heart disease. Woah, stop the presses: MIRACLES STILL RESERVED FOR PICTURES OF MARY ON GRILLED CHEESE. Hardly damning if you're not chronically sick and looking to stay that way.
I, for one, welcome out new healthy fat-bearing pig overlords.
posted by GuyZero at 6:58 AM on March 27, 2006
That trial looked at the impact of omega-3 fats on patients with chronic heart disease and suggested the fatty acid did nothing to prevent a recurrence of these conditions.
So fish doesn't reverse chronic heart disease. Woah, stop the presses: MIRACLES STILL RESERVED FOR PICTURES OF MARY ON GRILLED CHEESE. Hardly damning if you're not chronically sick and looking to stay that way.
I, for one, welcome out new healthy fat-bearing pig overlords.
posted by GuyZero at 6:58 AM on March 27, 2006
445, how did that story work? Because the bible specifically says no pork, in addition to the hoof/cud rule.
posted by rxrfrx at 5:37 AM PST on March 27 [!]
If I remember the story correctly, the cud chewing pigs were created so they could process cellulose (hay and grass) and therefore make them better for undeveloped societies (basically, pigs need the same food as people). The possibility of them being made kosher was after the fact and involved much rabbinical study. I mean, is it still a pig if it has 4 stomachs?
On the omega-3, an interviewer on npr noticed that the first animals tested with the gene were mice and that they actually made a higher percentage of omega-3. Tiny strips of bacon though.
posted by 445supermag at 7:27 AM on March 27, 2006
posted by rxrfrx at 5:37 AM PST on March 27 [!]
If I remember the story correctly, the cud chewing pigs were created so they could process cellulose (hay and grass) and therefore make them better for undeveloped societies (basically, pigs need the same food as people). The possibility of them being made kosher was after the fact and involved much rabbinical study. I mean, is it still a pig if it has 4 stomachs?
On the omega-3, an interviewer on npr noticed that the first animals tested with the gene were mice and that they actually made a higher percentage of omega-3. Tiny strips of bacon though.
posted by 445supermag at 7:27 AM on March 27, 2006
A side of chickie-nob nubbins with your baco-mega-3 anyone?
posted by picea at 7:30 AM on March 27, 2006
posted by picea at 7:30 AM on March 27, 2006
for those who don't keep Kosher,
jamon serrano and patanegra
posted by matteo at 12:35 PM on March 27, 2006
jamon serrano and patanegra
posted by matteo at 12:35 PM on March 27, 2006
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posted by 445supermag at 8:59 PM on March 26, 2006