A team of American scientists has produced the first non-human primate clone. Tetra, a Rhesus monkey baby, was born in September last year at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center in the US. However, the creation of Tetra was not, done by nuclear transfer as Dolly the sheep was. Instead...
Scientists at PPL Therapeutics have announced that 'humanised' milk could be produced from genetically modified cows. PPL has already given human genes to three cows to make them produce alpha-lactalbumin, a protein normally only found in human breast milk. The protein contains chemicals which are essential for the healthy development...
New research has suggested that many miscarriages, birth defects and neonatal deaths may be caused by a genetic defect. Researchers at the University of Toronto, Canada, have shown that many women may be susceptible to miscarriage or of having children with birth defects if they carry genes for a common...
Scientists in Spain are planning to use cloning to reverse the extinction of a native species of mammal. Last week, the last surviving Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica), a mountain goat, was killed by a falling tree in the Ordesa National Park in Spain. The goat had not responded to...
This week's announcement by Celera Genomics that it has DNA sequences totalling more than 90 percent of the genome in its database has certainly increased the value of Celera on the stock market. However, it has also brought the public/private genomics debate back to life. Celera officials openly admit...
Vascular gene transfer may offer new treatments for cardiovascular diseases. A group of researchers, led by Professor John Martin of University College London, with funding from the European Union, has identified and is developing a gene that could prevent atherosclerosis, ischaemia and other vascular conditions. The group has been working...
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Will breast always be best?
by Juliet Tizzard
Last week on British prime time television, the roving comedian Mark Thomas revealed that PPL Therapeutics is planning to rear genetically modified cows, designed to produce human alpha-lactalbumin, a protein found in human breast milk. Thomas, who has waged a one-man war against formula milk manufacturers, interviewed a member of...