Genetically modified cows produce "human" milk

According to an article on "The Telegraph" scientists have introduced human genes to cows to produce milk with the same properties as human breast milk.

The 300 dairy cows used on this research were able to produce milk containing human proteins found on breast milk called lysozyme and lactoferrin (part of the innate immune system which attacks and destroys bacteria).

The scientists believe this milk could be an alternative to human breast milk and baby formula.

Even though scientists insist that genetically modified foods are unlike to pose a threat to food safety, it is still not very well accepted from consumers and can only be sold in the UK and Europe if they pass extensive safety testing.

Helen Wallace, director of biotechnology monitoring group GeneWatch UK, said: "There is a question about whether milk from these cows is going to be safe from humans and it is really hard to tell that unless you do large clinical trials like you would a drug, so there will be uncertainty about whether it could be harmful to some people."

What do you think? Would you give this milk to your child if you couldn't breastfeed?



Read the article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/geneticmodification/8423536/Genetically-modified-cows-produce-human-milk.html

Picture's source: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987