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Silkworms Spin Yarn With Human Protein

Posted by timothy on from the creepy-dreams dept.

Makarand writes "Genetically engineered silkworms were able to weave the human protein collagen into their cocoons according to this online article in nature magazine. The human protein ,used in applications like artificial skin and and wound dressings, could be then extracted from the silk yarn using a simple chemical process. This technique could effectively replace the current expensive processes of reaping human therapeutic proteins from bioreactors in the future. Countries that have an established sericulture industry could convert their production facilities to produce medically useful proteins."

5 of 26 comments (clear)

  1. Skin by Spock+the+Baptist · · Score: 4, Funny

    Gives an new meaning to the phrase "Skin as smooth as silk."

    --
    "Oh drat these computers, they're so naughty and so complex, I could pinch them." --Marvin the Martian
  2. This story depresses me. by L.+VeGas · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nobody is interested in my worm's protein.

    --
    Best Windows Freeware
  3. To avoid confusion... by Yarn · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'd like to point out this has nothing to do with me.

    Regards,

    Yarn.

    --
    -Yarn - Rio Karma: Excellent
  4. Re:humans v. nature by MacAndrew · · Score: 3, Funny

    I think it remarkable that anyone could call natural the act of putting human DNA into a silk worm, but I do understand your point.

    Good point. So ... was Frankenstein natural? I guess the parts were all technically human, but don't forget the swapped brain and revive-from-the-dead part.

    I think of rDNA used in this way as just inventing a new yoke for the oxen. With developing new lifeforms, well, then you tread the line between ... Man and God [lightning flashes in background; maniacal laughter echoes in the darkness]. :)

    The nanobots did look a bit like electron micrographs I've seen of virus particles, as well as their grasp-and-inject motion. Making them out of metal? Who knows?

  5. Great. by flux4 · · Score: 2, Funny

    It was bad enough that I had to worry about unexpected silicone ingredients in the opposite sex. Now I'll have to wonder if her skin came from a WORM...