Fluorescent GM pigs a perversion of science

Geraint Smith

The Evening Standard (London) October 12, 2001

PIGLETS genetically modified to be born with fluorescent yellow snouts
and trotters were today described as a "perversion of science".

Campaigners against both the use of animal organs in people, and
experiments in genetic modification of animals, condemned the
implantation of genes from jelly fish into the piglets' DNA. But
Professor Randy Prather, of the University of Missouri, said the work
was a step towards growing animal organs for transplants which could
save human lives.

The technique was the same as for the creation of Dolly the sheep.
Nuclei from modified pig cells were placed inside pig eggs whose own DNA
had been removed. Five eggs were implanted into the womb of a surrogate
mother. The professor said the experiment showed it was possible to
"change the genetic makeup of the cells to prevent the body's rejection
of transplanted organs".

Dr Andre Menache, of Doctors and Lawyers for Responsible Medicine,
disputed this claim and said the danger of transmitting animal viruses
to humans remained.