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Scientists Get OK to Put Human Genes in Cattle (Hold Muh Steak Alert)
Reuters News Service ^
| October 1, 2002
Posted on 10/01/2002 1:19:08 PM PDT by NYer
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - New Zealand gave the go ahead Tuesday to begin experiments that involve inserting human genes into cattle to produce proteins that could be used to treat medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
A committee of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA), which controls the introduction of new plants, animals and genetically modified organisms into New Zealand, approved the plan despite receiving only seven of 850 submissions supporting the proposal.
The authority placed restrictions on the experiment -- the first in New Zealand to involve genetic modification outside a laboratory -- including electronic animal tagging and a complete ban on any cow leaving the secured site. Under the approved plan, a state research institute, AgResearch Ltd., plans to insert genes from goats, pigs, sheep, mice and humans into the cattle, with the resulting genetically modified embryos transferred into normal cows to create 'transgenic calves.'
"You do the research because you don't know the answers. Although some of the uncertainties of the research may be related to the risks, likewise some of those uncertainties may be related to the benefits," ERMA Chief Executive Basil Walker said.
If successful, the research could advance work to prevent or minimize multiple sclerosis, a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system, the AgResearch scientists said.
Anti-GMO lobby group GE Free New Zealand attacked the decision saying said the risks of genetically modified organisms getting into the food chain or crossing into other species was too great.
Genetic modification is a controversial issue in New Zealand where the economy is heavily dependent on agricultural produce and markets itself as having a green, pristine environment.
The recently re-elected, Labor-led coalition government plans to lift a ban on the commercial release of genetically modified organisms next year, a stand that caused the environmentalist Green Party to refuse to join Labor in power.
TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events
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The next steak you eat may be "Uncle Fred".
1
posted on
10/01/2002 1:19:09 PM PDT
by
NYer
To: Howlin; Ed_NYC; MonroeDNA; widgysoft; Springman; FreedomPoster; Timesink; AntiGuv; dpa5923; ...
"Hold muh beer 'n watch this!" PING....If you want on or off this list, please let me know!
This has come about after much badgering by you, my friends and extended family...
FR is our public radio/tv. Support FR! The Fall Telethon is underway!
2
posted on
10/01/2002 1:20:04 PM PDT
by
mhking
To: NYer
I guess the term "Bite me" will have new meaning, yes?
3
posted on
10/01/2002 1:20:32 PM PDT
by
mhking
To: mhking
Tastes like chicken?
4
posted on
10/01/2002 1:21:22 PM PDT
by
RobRoy
To: NYer
Where's the Beef???
To: mhking
If successful, the research could advance work to prevent or minimize multiple sclerosis ......... for who? Uncle Fred or the cow?
6
posted on
10/01/2002 1:45:07 PM PDT
by
NYer
To: NYer
Sheep farmers and lonely shepherds have been rumored for centuries to have been inserting their genetic material in friendly ewes- why do these scientists get the spotlight? ;-) You need a date in New Zealand (or insert other sheep producing nation here)? Just put on a pair of velcro covered mittens and run out and catch you one...
To: NYer
My wife has MS and we feel its effects every day, but I have to say that any path toward a cure that involves mixing human and animal DNA seems unacceptable. I may just be worry about a non-existent slippery slope, but it seems that playing with human and animal DNA doesn't pass the means vs ends test.
I know I'm having a hard time articulating my objection - maybe I need to reread Wells' "The Island of Dr Moreau."
To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA
ping
t
9
posted on
10/01/2002 2:23:06 PM PDT
by
P7M13
To: NYer
***Scientists Get OK to Put Human Genes in Cattle...*** Oh no!
10
posted on
10/01/2002 2:43:26 PM PDT
by
archy
To: RobRoy; Poohbah; dighton; aculeus; Orual
"Tastes like chicken?"Long-pork.
To: NYer
Scientists Get OK to Put Human Genes in Cattle Been done. Just look at Hillary.
12
posted on
10/01/2002 3:24:04 PM PDT
by
fhayek
To: NYer
"You do the research because you don't know the answers.
Oh? Does the Island of Dr. Moureau sound familiar?
13
posted on
10/01/2002 3:27:55 PM PDT
by
Camachee
To: fhayek
Please apologize to all cows. Now.
t
14
posted on
10/01/2002 3:30:32 PM PDT
by
P7M13
To: NYer
Yesterday there was a news report that some scientist has developed a way to bio-engineer meat in a vat. Now this.
Anyone remember the movie Soylent Green.
15
posted on
10/01/2002 3:35:04 PM PDT
by
wildbill
To: RadioAstronomer; longshadow; PatrickHenry; Junior
Transgenic-critters bump!
16
posted on
10/01/2002 3:40:46 PM PDT
by
Aracelis
To: Piltdown_Woman
Old news. Been there, done that.
To: Sabertooth
Hmmmm.....
To: Puddleglum; COB1; P7M13
I am so sorry your wife suffers with this debilitating disease - Prayers for a cure soon........
20
posted on
10/01/2002 5:42:17 PM PDT
by
Mo1
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