Scientists inject fish with alligator DNA to create mutant creatures that live longer

US Sun ^

[BenLurkin]

Millions of fish are harvested across the world each year, but nearly half are killed due to diseases.

However, studies have found that by inserting alligator genes into catfish, their survival chances increase by fivefold.

The gene, dubbed cathelicidin, contains properties that protect reptiles from infections when wounded.

Typically, farmers treat sick fish with antibiotics, but this contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

But now scientists at Auburn University in Alabama are fusing the DNA of the two species.

Scientists used CRISPR to insert the alligator gene that codes for cathelicidin into catfish.

It found the survival rate of the genetically modified fish was resistant to a common infection.

The fish are also sterile and can’t reproduce unless they are injected with reproductive hormones, MIT Technology reported.

[z3n]

File this one under “What could go wrong?”

[George from New England]

Probably no limit to the experiments this mRNA stuff will lead to. Tests without regard to God’s existence.

[Red Badger]

What could possibly go wrong?.....................

[\/\/ayne]

"Where can I find the scientist that created me?"

[Jonty30]

I know what can go wrong. I’ve read all the Spiderman comics.

[V_TWIN]

Alligator Gar......like water moccasins are born angry and just grow up pissed at the world. Lol

[packagingguy]

I used to work at the fish farm in Auburn.

They had a poison to kill the fish in a pond in case a flood was impending.

With the genetically altered fish there was also a chain link fence around the ponds to make sure an otter didn’t come and pull one out...if the otter didn’t kill the fish it might get released into the nearby stream.

[Boogieman]

“The fish are also sterile and can’t reproduce unless they are injected with reproductive hormones...”

Which I’m sure will never accidentally happen, resulting in a strain of super mutant gator catfish breeding and escaping captivity to wreak havok....

[Red Badger]

We have them here in the bayous.

I’ve had them come up to the boat like chickens looking for a handout..............

[shadowlands1960]

There’s a horror movie script in here someplace...

[griffin]

Mmmm....Alligator trout. Could I spice it up with a little Bison?

[bravo whiskey]

Guess they have not met Diana from tv series V.

[telescope115]

I would love to see the host of “River Monsters” catch one of those.

[Paul R.]

Millions? More like many billions.

[Robert DeLong]

Looks sort of like a garfish:

[Red Badger]

It is. It’s really more docile than they look..............

[alternatives?]

Sometime a racoon is going to be surprised.

[V_TWIN]

Bad attitude

[Red Badger]