A singing rat

[Ursus]

Japanese scientists genetically engineer a rodent that tweets like a bird:

 

http://www.news.com.au/technology/sci-tech/scientists-breed-a-mouse-that-sings/story-fn5fsgyc-1225974667195

 

I have a very bad feeling about genetic manipulation ....

 

 

[DecimusCaesar]

For a moment there I thought that this was one of those Onion news stories, especially when the Doctor mentioned he wanted to create a Mickey Mouse.

[Ursus]

Life is stranger than fiction, sadly.

 

A few years ago another Asian scientist created puppies that glow in the dark, by inserting a luminescent gene in them from some sea creature.

 

This is all done for "science." But in 20 years I can see companies selling singing mice and glow-in-the-dark puppies to every kid in America for Christmas. Bioengieneered lifeforms for commercial use (and eventually military use).

 

I'm not a Luddite, but I think this sort of thing is going to have dire consequences down the line.

[Kosmo]

Actually genetically modified glowing fish are widely available for sometime. They are even trade mark protected http://www.glofish.com/

The EU is vehemently opposed to any genetically modified food (like Monsanto seeds) so Ursus you're not alone.

I don't see what the big deal is about, our food and our pets were all created by humans after a lot of controlled selection, genetic manipulation only takes this a step further. Of course, there is potential for a lot of things to go wrong but that's science.

[Aurelia]

I miss X-Files. Life was simpler then *sigh*

[GhostOfClayton]

It's a massively complex issue, morally. It would be OK by me if GM were used in a responsible and properly controlled manner, but (as Ursus alluded to) once the tacky individuals who see a fast buck get involved, the genuinely useful applications are quickly overshadowed. Then there's the British Press who saw an opportunity for a quick buck themselves, and whipped up public sentiment against by using the label 'Frankenstein Foods', purely, I would imagine, to sell more papers. Would that everyone could have a balanced, and informed view.

 

By the way, it seems an appropriate time to mention a book called "Last Human" by Doug Naylor (co-creator of 'Red Dwarf'). In it, a football team genetically engineer a goal-keeper exactly the same size and shape as a goal-mouth.

Edited December 27, 2010 by GhostOfClayton

[Artimi]

shades of Jurassic Park!!!!!!!!!

[Northern Neil]

By the way, it seems an appropriate time to mention a book called "Last Human" by Doug Naylor (co-creator of 'Red Dwarf'). In it, a football team genetically enginneer a goal-keeper exactly the same size and shape as a goal-mouth.

Yes, I believe it was the Scottish National side. Despite these efforts, they still failed to get through to round 2 of the World Cup...