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Genetically Engineered Silkworms Spin Spider Silk
disco_tracy writes "Silkworms have been modified to produce spider silk, creating a fabric that could be used in everything from bulletproof clothing to artificial tendons." For some reason, this is far less revolting to me than the idea of spider silk being milked out of goats.
No.. what I'm implying is that you're too ignorant of the technology to understand why the scare mongering is not only blatantly wrong but also outright stupid.
How we know is more important than what we know.
Actually I'm very interested in GM and as a result I have done quite a bit of research on the subject.
My criticism of it usually is in regards to how it is being applied with little, if any, real regard to its impact on the environment. Also a concern is the moral, legal and cultural ramifications of the technology. Particularly in situations where profit is being placed above responsible use. I mean come on, patents on a string of amino acids?
And there are too many questions, to many inconclusive or questionable reports into the effects (good and bad) of the tech when introduced into the environment, for me to be the enthusiastic supporter I once was.
I really don't think we know enough about it to use it safely and effectively, with continued research one day we will. Until then we need to be very, very, careful.
Here is a near miss that didn't get much press. The modified K. Planticola would be considered a bio weapon if a terrorist had been found with it. And keep in mind the modified organism had been cleared through the "proper channels" for release into the wild. That and many other stories have made me advocate caution, next time we may not be so lucky.
Indeed, our luck may already have run out, we just don't know it yet.
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