Are featherless chickens really GMO/genetically-engineered?
Genetic modification or just conventional breeding?
Pictures of these creepy new chickens are going around the web, claiming these are genetically modified organisms (GMO), however, it is reported that these chickens were created through conventional breeding by an Israeli scientist. They were bred using a bare-neck breed of chicken (likely what’s called the “turken“) that’s been around for decades, that was also conventionally bred. In other words, barring any newer mutations, these naked chickens theoretically could have been bred 3000 years ago with an intensive breeding program with no modern technologies.
Sure they look creepy, but so do naked mole rats and manatees, yet they are totally natural, and in the wild, not bred by humans at all.
The scientist does have some good points – this could be a good hot weather chicken and could do a little bit to impact the environment less.
Story on New Scientist: Featherless chicken creates a flap
| Tagged: Tags: Front Page News | CommentsFolks trying genetic engineering at home
Seems people are trying genetic engineering (or the more politically correct “genetic modification”) at home make-shift labs for all sorts of interesting projects. Many of these people are those who had the insight to study biotechnology in college, but didn’t find a job in the field. Is this a good or a bad thing? I’d say overall, it’s great. Sure, there is the risk that some sinister soul would try to concoct a bio-weapon, but much more likely, is that this will get citizens more comfortable with these extremely important technologies. In some cases, children in the family or community may get involved and be inspired to pursue a career in biotechnology. There’s nothing like a lab in the home or close to home, to make obvious the concrete reality of what can de done nowadays. And some very small percentage may actually be successful in creating something of value to society. Remember the garage/apartment tinkering that launched the personal computer revolution (If not, see Pirates of Silicon Valley)? Good luck getting the product to market without the idea being stolen by a huge corporation with an army of patent lawyers though (that’s another article).
Scientific education supply companies also now provide a suprising array of genetic engineering kits to get you started. These kits may not be set up to create anything of marketable value, but are intended to educate in the principles, practice and understanding of recombinant DNA technology. And that is quite valuable in itself!
Amateurs are trying genetic engineering at home (Associated Press)
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