Scientists create GM 'Frankenfish' which grows three times as fast as normal salmon
By Sean Poulter
Last updated at 9:43 AM on 17th June 2010
Scientists have created a genetically modified 'monster' salmon which could soon be on dinner tables around the world.
科學家們已創造一轉基因'怪物'鮭魚，可能很快就會在世界各地的餐桌上。
A U.S. company claims it has been given initial approval by American safety authorities to produce the GM fish which grow two to three times faster than normal varieties.
一美國公司聲稱它已被美國安全當局初步批准，可生產轉基因魚，增長2 - 3倍快於一般品種。
The net result is that the fish convert their feed to muscle much more quickly and can be killed for the table at a younger age, assuring producers bigger profits.
最終的結果是，魚能更快地將飼料轉化為肌肉，及在更年輕的年齡被殺害作桌子上食物，保證生產者有更大的利潤。
Supersized: A genetically modified salmon compared to a normal fish. A U.S. company claims it has approval to produce the GM version超大：一條轉基因三文魚比對一條普通魚，一美國公司聲稱它獲批准去生產那轉基因版本
British scientists have also been working on genetically modified versions of tilapia fish and edible carp.
However, critics of GM food fear the technology leads to the creation of mutant misshapen fish and could harm wild populations if they escape.
然而，轉基因食品批評者擔心，技術導致突變畸形魚的創造，如果他們逃脫，並可能傷害野生種群。
Research on GM trout in Canada found that while they grew faster and were many times larger than the wild species, they were likely to die before maturity and a number developed deformed heads and bloated bodies.
在加拿大的轉基因鱒魚研究發現，雖然他們的增長速度較快，及是多倍較野生物種大，他們有可能在成熟前死亡，和有一個數目發展出畸形的頭和臃腫的身體。
Genetic engineers at Aqua Bounty, a company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, have been manipulating fish growth hormone to make the GM salmon grow more quickly. This involves taking genes from the ocean pout and the chinook salmon, which trigger the release of growth hormone in the GM fish during their development.
One year after the salmon eggs hatch, those that have been genetically modified reach an average of 1,340g, compared to 663g for the ordinary Atlantic salmon. The AquaAdvantage salmon reach a marketable size within 18-24 months, as opposed to 30 months for the normal variety.
Supporters of GM foods have always argued that there are no significant differences compared with those grown or bred through conventional means.
Aqua Bounty takes the same view of its salmon, which has been nicknamed the 'Frankenfish' by critics.
Chief executive, Ron Stotish, said: 'In every measurement and every respect, these fish are identical to Atlantic salmon.'
The firm hopes U.S. veterinary authorities will approve its GM salmon eggs for this year's breeding season.
In theory, the fish would then go into stores and restaurants by 2012.
It seems likely that a pack of GM salmon would have to be identified on the label in a supermarket. However, there is no requirement to label GM fish on restaurant menus, which means diners may consume the salmon without realising it.
The campaigning consumer and green group GM Freeze is anxious about the arrival of GM fish. Its director, Pete Riley, said: 'We are extremely concerned about the potential for these fish to escape.'
Aqua Bounty said there is no danger of its fish cross-mating with wild fish because only female eggs that have been treated to ensure they are sterile will be created.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1287084/Scientists-create-GM-Frankenfish-grows-times-fast-normal-salmon.html
“基因改良”三文魚有望登上美國人餐桌
2010年06月27日02:03
來源：人民網
“轉基因三文魚”（上）與普通三文魚（下）人民網6月27日電 美國食品與藥物管理局目前正在對一種經過“人工基因改良”的三文魚進行最后研究，以確認它們是否可以安全地被人類食用。如果這種三文魚獲准上市，將成為第一種可被人類食用的“轉基因動物”。
《紐約時報》報道，一旦有關方面確認，這種“轉基因三文魚”安全無害，營養成分與普通三文魚沒有差別，它們很快將成為美國人餐桌上的“新寵”。不過，也有美國消費者與環保組織都反對政府“放行”這種人工培育的三文魚。
由於這種“轉基因三文魚”的身材要比普通野生三文魚大一倍左右，如果這種魚僥幸從飼養場逃入自然界，可能會同其他魚類爭搶食物，從而破壞自然界原本相對穩定的生態平衡。人們還擔心，食用這種魚是否會對人體健康形成長期影響。
科學家將大西洋三文魚、奇努克三文魚以及另外一種野生三文魚的遠親的基因進行雜交，最后培育出來這種全新三文魚。它與普通野生三文魚相比最大的不同就是在寒冷氣候中依然能分泌生長荷爾蒙，這樣，它們上市時間將從三年縮短為一年半。
不過，為防止消費者產生“抵觸情緒”，這些人工改良的三文魚不會長得太大就上市。因此，人們無法從身材上將它們和普通三文魚區分開來。目前，這種新培育的三文魚已繁殖了數代，既沒發生基因變異，其品質也未對產生不良變化。
一旦上述“轉基因三文魚”獲准上市，那麼美國科研機構將繼續開發“不會患上瘋牛病的牛”、“能提供更健康熏肉的豬”之類轉基因新物種。目前，加拿大科研人員已經培育出來一種所謂的“環保豬”：它們的排泄物對自然環境污染更少。
盡管很多美國人對轉基因動物非常“警惕”，要求其在上市時明確注明是“轉基因產品”，但實際上當地有大量轉基因植物被應用於各類食品加工工作。開發轉基因三文魚的研究人員稱，這種魚長得快，能更好滿足人類日益增長的食品需求。（高軼軍）
（責任編輯：劉軍濤）
http://world.people.com.cn/BIG5/1029/42355/11980031.html
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