Giant Mice from Genetic Engineers, Giant Fungus from Washington State, and More

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PHOTO: FOTOLIA/EPANTHA
Cricket droppings as organic fertilizer is a surprisingly lucrative market.

Genetic Engineering Creates Giant Mice

Picture a nervous mouse scampering across your kitchen floor. Only this is not a wee creature you see out of the corner of your eye. This guy is two and a half times the size of a regular mouse. Now how are you going to catch it?

According to Dr. Michael W. Fox’s book, Superpigs and Wondercorn (Lyons & Burford), researchers have already created mighty mouse recipes. Ohio State researcher J. Mintz created the giant mouse by inserting rabbit growth genes into mouse embryos. Interesting work to be sure, but why?

For one thing, biotechnologists believe livestock species could be engineered to enhance weight gain or growth rates, reproductive performance, disease resistance, and coat characteristics. Genetic engineering could also be directed to develop vaccines and improve crops.

Biotechnologists argue that genetic engineering is “simply an extension for selective breeding; since mutations (spontaneous genetic changes) occur naturally, there is nothing morally wrong with altering animals through genetic engineering.” If nature can create giant pigs, why can’t we?

  • Published on Oct 1, 1992
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