Here’s the latest in genetically modified food research from China:

The scientists have successfully introduced human genes into 300 dairy cows to produce milk with the same properties as human breast milk. 

Human milk contains high quantities of key nutrients that can help to boost the immune system of babies and reduce the risk of infections. 

The scientists behind the research believe milk from herds of genetically modified cows could provide an alternative to human breast milk and formula milk for babies, which is often criticised as being an inferior substitute. 

They hope genetically modified dairy products from herds of similar cows could be sold in supermarkets. The research has the backing of a major biotechnology company…

The researchers used cloning technology to introduce human genes into the DNA of Holstein dairy cows before the genetically modified embryos were implanted into surrogate cows.

Writing in the scientific peer-reviewed journal Public Library of Science One, the researchers said they were able to create cows that produced milk containing a human protein called lysozyme,

Lysozyme is an antimicrobial protein naturally found in large quantities in human breast milk. It helps to protect infants from bacterial infections during their early days of life.

They created cows that produce another protein from human milk called lactoferrin, which helps to boost the numbers of immune cells in babies. A third human milk protein called alpha-lactalbumin was also produced by the cows.

The scientists also revealed at an exhibition at the China Agricultural University that they have boosted milk fat content by around 20 per cent and have also changed the levels of milk solids, making it closer to the composition of human milk as well as having the same immune-boosting properties.

Assuming this actually works as planned, it would be significant improvement over formula and would allow women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed or can’t produce enough milk an additional option.

They do leave out one important detail. One of the biggest benefits of a mother’s breast milk is that it contains a high concentration of immunoglobulins (antibodies). When the mother and child have close skin to skin contact they share pathogens. Since the mother’s immune system is much more effective than the baby’s, she produces antibodies that are shared with her child through the milk.

While a GM cow’s human-like milk could potentially have all the human proteins needed to help keep the baby developing healthfully, there unfortunately isn’t a way to have it develop the immunoglobulins. So while it’s an improvement over formula, it’s still not as good as the real thing.

With that caveat in mind, this is very exciting research. High yield grains, vitamin enriched rice, pest and disease resistance, and now this, I just wander what’s coming next from genetic modification.

(Link via richarddawkins.net)