Singaporean scientists
genetically modify zebra fish to detect water pollutants by turning fluorescent. An American company realizes there's a consumer market for novelty glow-in-the-dark fish,
and starts selling the US's first genetically modified pet. While the FDA, which oversees GM animals,
'finds no reason to regulate', California's Fish and Game Commission
bans sales in the state over ethical concenrns, and a coalition of watchdog groups
files suit to support a national ban.
A year later, GloFish are still on sale, and
California's reconsidering its sales block. With the first GM pet quietly swimming into homes, and others (
like hypo-allergenic cats) close behind, are we ready for a designer pet invasion?
posted by thomascrown
on Dec 20, 2004 -
51 comments
Today the
British government released a
major report on the safety of genetically modified foods. According to
New Scientist, "existing genetically modified crops and foods pose a 'very low' risk to human health and are 'very unlikely' to rampage through the British countryside", but
others disagree.
posted by turbodog
on Jul 21, 2003 -
58 comments
Protato. India has developed a genetically modified potato that contains 30% more protein than your standard spud. The hope is to use the
'protato' to combat malnutrition. Needless to say, there are those who
dissent from the GM spud being touted as a cure-all for world hunger.
posted by CoolHandPuke
on Feb 18, 2003 -
32 comments
Since Genetically Modified Organisms are a big no-no in Europe,
some scientists are now focusing their efforts on TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes), a novel technology for rapid selection of a mutation in any gene from mutant plant, through the use of a mutagen,
Ethyl Methanesulfonate (EMS).
Will this method be seen as less dangerous than Genetic Engineering à la Monsanto?
During my search on this topic, I stumbled on this entertaining story about
DIY genegeneering.
posted by titboy
on Oct 9, 2002 -
6 comments
