As a rule, when discussions begin about the dangers of genetic modification (GMOs), we mean foods that are intended for food. However, almost no one takes into account other animals that have also undergone the process of genetic modification.
In this case, there is also something to argue about. It is believed that during experiments it is possible to harm not only animals, which in itself is unethical, but also the environment.
So, here is a list of ten genomically modified animals that are not used as food.
1
Chicken from Japan Can Help Treat Cancer
Scientists from Japan raised GMO chicken laying golden eggs. Of course, they are not made of precious metal, but they are worth all the riches of the world, and even more expensive. A significant proportion of them is interferon beta. The presence of protein has a positive effect on the fight against hepatitis, cancer and multiple sclerosis.
To obtain eggs, scientists working on the development of technology and industrial sciences at a state institute needed to plant interferon on beta cells of rooster embryos. After the introduction of the cells to the respective embryos, cocks were knitted with chickens, repeating the cycle for two generations. As a result, the eggs of hens began to contain just an overwhelming amount of interferon beta. This drug is "placed" in egg whites, whose density is higher than classical, and the color is much cloudier. The minimum egg price is just over half a million dollars, the maximum exceeds $ 2.5 million.
2
Asocial Ants
Growing an ant with gene modification is incredibly difficult. But scientists have always shown interest in researching the high social organization of ants. They suspected that the reason for this behavior was the sense of smell, but with the help of genetic engineering, the assumption was confirmed.
To conduct the experiment, Rockefeller University biologists took the ant Ooceraeabiroi, which is different in that it lives in a society not controlled by the ant queen. They lay eggs by cloning themselves. Thus, it was possible to significantly simplify the genetic modification, because the GM ant lays genetically modified eggs by default.
Scientists have made changes in the gene responsible for nerve endings that provide odor detection. After 10,000 unsuccessful attempts, biologists were able to deprive ants of smell. They did not smell the brethren. As a result, having refused to follow the “tribe”, they could not find their way home and correctly identify their brothers from alien ants.
3
Strong Dogs from China
Scientists from China created genetically modified beagles that were stronger, faster and physically developed ordinary beagles. Researchers claim that these hounds will be ideal companions for hunters, and will also help the military and police.
Scientists have managed to create stronger dogs by removing the myostatin gene. The resulting mutation can be observed in various dog breeds, for example, whippets. The dog with the largest muscle mass in the world is Wendy, who belongs to the Whippet breed. Researchers also “worked” on mice. They called the created instance a "mighty mouse."
According to scientists, they did not set themselves the task of making bodybuilder dogs. Initially, they were going to vaccinate dogs with human disease. If dogs become ill with Parkinson’s or muscular dystrophy, then doctors will be able to understand the reasons for their development in order to prevent their development in humans in the future.
By the way, beagles are considered one of the best family dogs in the world. We already wrote about this in one of the articles on our site most-beauty.ru.
4
Killer mosquitoes
The company Oxitec, located on Foggy Albion, was able to get mosquitoes that infect the mating process of "normal" females with genes that will lead to the death of the female. The gene is thought to destroy the larvae, which will reduce the number of mosquitoes and reduce the incidence of diseases spread by mosquitoes. At this point, Oxitec has set itself the goal of killing parasites that transmit dengue fever. The luminaries of science can not yet “swing” at malaria, since it is carried by various types of mosquitoes, and only one species of mosquitoes spread dengue fever.
The first GMO specimens appeared in the late 2000s, they were propagated in the Cayman Islands. The scientists plan to distribute them in Malaysia and Brazil. The leadership of the South American state even prepared breeding farms for breeding genetically modified mosquitoes. Environmentalists fear the unforeseen consequences of this experiment, and therefore advocate its closure.
The result of its work, Oxitec sees the spread of mosquitoes in the United States. The company's management was about to release GM mosquitoes in the Florida Keys archipelago, but the people stood up to protect the islands from the spread of insects. Key West has passed a law requiring no mosquitoes to be released until scientists give an accurate answer about their environmental impact. In response, the company turned to the US Food and Drug Administration to provide the ability to distribute mosquitoes in the States.
5
Glow in the dark cats for HIV treatment
It is probably cool to have a cat at home, glowing in the dark, like a phosphoric figure. It was these cats that scientists created, however, pursuing completely different goals. With the help of such cats, they are going to treat AIDS. The fact is that cats themselves suffer from a similar disease (FIV) caused by immunodeficiency. HIV and FIV are disease brothers that force the body to lose T cells, which provide immunity to disease. Feline immunodeficiency also leads to AIDS.
In the fight against HIV, scientists discovered a protein that helps stop the development of the disease. He was found in Rhesus macaque, but could not immediately implant in people. To do this, they turned to geneticists who instilled protein in cats for help. But how do you know if he has taken root? The solution was found by implanting the jellyfish gene in cats. If a cat glowed like a jellyfish, it means that it has “accepted” the gene.
Although the goal of the project is to treat HIV in humans, such an experiment can also help cats. Because of the FIV, which turns into AIDS, several million four-legged people die every year.
We also have an article on the site about the most beautiful cats in the world! We highly recommend reading and viewing many beautiful photographs.
6
Disease Immune Freezing Bees
The Canadian economy, tied to agriculture, is heavily dependent on bees. They are engaged in pollination of various crops and plants. In addition, bees, in the process of "creating" honey, produce healthy wax. The problem is that every year Canadian beekeepers lose about a quarter of insects. This is due to the attacks of Varroa ticks, as well as severe frosts that prevail during the long Canadian winters.
To make up for the loss, Canadians import bees from the United States, but this practice will eventually lead to the importation of Africanized killer bees. Scientists who are going to create genetically modified bees, who are not afraid of low temperatures and various diseases, promise to help in this matter.
7
Primates psychotherapists
For scientific purposes, researchers are conducting experiments to create GM monkeys with signs of schizophrenia and autism. Ideal for research are monkeys and macaques. Experiments with chimpanzees were abandoned due to the difficulty of working with this species of primates. They are selected for the final stage of testing, the remaining primates are euthanized.
The curator of the project is a scientist from the American Institute of Technology, located in Massachusetts, Guoping Feng. The basis of his experiments is the latest CRISPR technology, which allows you to create monkeys with mental disorders. This is required for the further development of the treatment of diseases in humans. It is worth noting that almost all experiments are conducted in China, since in America it is difficult to obtain permission, in view of the protests of the animal welfare society.
8
Three-eyed beetles
A mutant beetle with three eyes - does not resemble a plot from some horror movie? American scientists think differently, and therefore created such a "monster." The most interesting thing is that the eye is fully active, and is located between the two main ones.
To add a third eye, researchers needed to “disable” the gene responsible for head formation. This led to the development of an extra eye and the death of horns. This result is striking, since some parts of the body (shell, brain, eyes, wings) can change only when exposed to several genes. These experiments pursue not only idle goals of understanding the development of organs in insects. Thanks to tests, scientists hope in the future to grow healthy organs for people.
But, believe me, this is not the most unusual insect on the planet. Mother Nature without human intervention is able to create completely incredible animals, the existence of which is hard to believe. Follow the link and be surprised!
9
Gold Seahorses
Vietnamese scientists led by Phan Kim Ngok created a gold-colored seahorse, and this is the first genetically modified living creature in the history of the state. Work on the project was carried out for three years, during which 20 unsuccessful experiments were conducted.
Failures included attempts to raise other animals until the Vietnamese managed to create a seahorse. To do this, they took the jellyfish gene, adding liquid gold to it, and then inoculated the “mixture” with the eggs of the sea horses. The result of the tests were 108 individuals of skates sparkling with a natural golden hue. This success will allow in the future to create high-quality GM foods. In addition, researchers want to learn how to replace negative human genes using the Vietnamese technique.
The next experience of Phan Kim Ngoka was the creation of mice that produce insulin, which is necessary to ensure the life of people suffering from diabetes.
10
Dwarf domestic pigs
Did you know that the now extremely popular mini pigs are nothing more than a successful marketing move by scientists from China. Saying that such pigs are the latest development of geneticists, sellers simply mislead customers. The history of micro pigs goes back many years, although they have not been genetically modified. They appeared as a result of degeneration and insufficient feeding. After a certain time, adults were sold as pets.
GM pigs were created for various studies, including stem cell development, but at some point, the scientists ran out of money. Then the researchers put up for sale part of the mini pigs, which helped to continue the work.
As a result, the society was divided into two camps: the first claim that the genetic breeding of small pigs is better than degeneration and underfeeding, others consider the method of genetic modification painful for animals, and also fear unforeseen consequences.
Output
No matter how trite it may sound, but science does not stand still, and with it achievements in genetic modification. Surely, GM still has many opponents, but not far off are the days when, with its help, scientists can treat such terrible diseases as cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer's and others. It is then that humanity will revise its views on genetics, accepting it as a blessing.