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Chinese scientists have produced a herd of genetically modified cows that make milk that could substitute for human breast milk as a possible solution to formula, News24 reported.
Researchers at the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of the China Agricultural University introduced human genetic coding into the DNA of Holstein dairy cow embryos, then transferred the embryos into cow surrogates.
"The genetically modified cow milk is 80% the same as human breast milk," said Li Ning, a professor and the project's director as well as lead researcher. "Our modified cow milk contains several major properties of human milk, in particular proteins and antibodies which we believe are good for our health and able to improve our immune system."
However, this milk still needs to be tested to make sure that it's safe for baby consumption. There was a mixed response from Chinese parents when asked if they would give their babies the milk with some willing to try it but others being flat out against it, ""I won't try it. Even if it's similar to human breast milk, it's still genetically modified," said the mother of a 14-month-old girl, "I think natural products are much better. I don't know what might happen if my daughter consumes genetically modified things."
Would you give your baby genetically modified milk?
Researchers at the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology of the China Agricultural University introduced human genetic coding into the DNA of Holstein dairy cow embryos, then transferred the embryos into cow surrogates.
"The genetically modified cow milk is 80% the same as human breast milk," said Li Ning, a professor and the project's director as well as lead researcher. "Our modified cow milk contains several major properties of human milk, in particular proteins and antibodies which we believe are good for our health and able to improve our immune system."
However, this milk still needs to be tested to make sure that it's safe for baby consumption. There was a mixed response from Chinese parents when asked if they would give their babies the milk with some willing to try it but others being flat out against it, ""I won't try it. Even if it's similar to human breast milk, it's still genetically modified," said the mother of a 14-month-old girl, "I think natural products are much better. I don't know what might happen if my daughter consumes genetically modified things."
Would you give your baby genetically modified milk?
