Saturday, May 3, 2008

Surrogate Goats

For mothers who have trouble breastfeeding or risk passing on HIV to their children, fortified goat milk could soon be the best alternative. Scientists at the Russian Academy of Sciences have genetically engineered goats that carry the human gene for the protein lactoferrin, normally found only in high concentrations in breast milk. The protein, which is absent in baby formula, is critical because it protects infants from bacteria and viruses while their immune systems are still maturing. In the next few years, scientists aim to stock a farm with engineered goats that would make fortified milk for rural villages, helping to lower infection babies.

*.* Source of Information : May 2008 Popular Science

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