Posted on 10/01/2002 1:19:08 PM PDT by NYer
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - New Zealand gave the go ahead Tuesday to begin experiments that involve inserting human genes into cattle to produce proteins that could be used to treat medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
A committee of the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA), which controls the introduction of new plants, animals and genetically modified organisms into New Zealand, approved the plan despite receiving only seven of 850 submissions supporting the proposal.
The authority placed restrictions on the experiment -- the first in New Zealand to involve genetic modification outside a laboratory -- including electronic animal tagging and a complete ban on any cow leaving the secured site. Under the approved plan, a state research institute, AgResearch Ltd., plans to insert genes from goats, pigs, sheep, mice and humans into the cattle, with the resulting genetically modified embryos transferred into normal cows to create 'transgenic calves.'
"You do the research because you don't know the answers. Although some of the uncertainties of the research may be related to the risks, likewise some of those uncertainties may be related to the benefits," ERMA Chief Executive Basil Walker said.
If successful, the research could advance work to prevent or minimize multiple sclerosis, a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system, the AgResearch scientists said.
Anti-GMO lobby group GE Free New Zealand attacked the decision saying said the risks of genetically modified organisms getting into the food chain or crossing into other species was too great.
Genetic modification is a controversial issue in New Zealand where the economy is heavily dependent on agricultural produce and markets itself as having a green, pristine environment.
The recently re-elected, Labor-led coalition government plans to lift a ban on the commercial release of genetically modified organisms next year, a stand that caused the environmentalist Green Party to refuse to join Labor in power.
Folks, there's an old saying, "Don't judge an Indian until you walk a mile in his mocassins."
If this procedure will find a cure for MS, I support it all the way.
If you had MS, I think you would, also.
Puddlegum, I know what you're going through, and I'm very sorry.
My daughter was diagnosed about five years ago.
Bwahahaha.
I agree with you.
I am so sorry to hear this news. :-( To both of you, I hope they find a cure soon!
I told you that this Hold Muh ______ Alert thing was going to be big. Now I can say that I know somebody who started a "trend" on Free Republic. ;-)
Holy cow or cow-thingie!
I forgot to turn off the transgenetic sarcasm button. I'm a big advocate of speculative genetic engineering. I think we should all give up a few genes and hope for the best.
I only hope I will be crossed with a cat. I've always wanted to intellectualize why I p!$$ on bushes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.