Monday 13 June 2011

Genetically Modifed Cows to Produce Human Breast Milk

While on my way to work this morning, I listened to Class 95FM as usual. Road safety, weather, jokes,etc. But today was UNUSUAL, because I heard a very very very shocking news!

I'm sure everyone has heard about genetically modified foods. Like flour, soybean, canola oil, tomatoes, strawberries. But have you heard about COWS PRODUCING HUMAN BREAST MILK?!

I understand the controversial issues related to genetically modified food products, some agrees, some don't, some are very very against the idea. Anyways, controversial issues will be post up in a later stage. So stay tuned alright! Let's get back to genetically modified cows producing human breast milk. A WOW factor!


Question marks '?????'
'Is it safe?!'
'Is it healthier?!'

Well, scientists have successfully genetically engineered the cow to produce humanized breast milk. However, a lot are against the idea. Like for example, the animal welfare group.

"The scientists inserted a human gene into the cows' genetic information, and the animals' mammary glands now imbue their milk with large quantities of lysozyme, a protein that is abundant in human milk, but not the bovine variety. Aside from giving the modified cow milk the strong, sweet taste that you may or may not remember from your infancy, the introduction of lysozyme makes the milk much healthier and more nutritious, according to Ning Li of China's Agricultural University in Beijing, who led the research

"The UC Davis group has inserted the human gene for lysozyme into goats so that they produce milk with 68 percent as much lysozyme as human milk. Because the modified milk is closer than normal goat milk to what women naturally produce and babies consume, it is very likely to be safe for humans — but this hasn't been proven." Read more @ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43356950/ns/technology_and_science-science/



Other Sources:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/19dea190-9536-11e0-a648-00144feab49a.html#axzz1P9v7MFVk

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/geneticmodification/8423536/Genetically-modified-cows-produce-human-milk.html

Gladys Lim
0901188C

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