Perhaps one of the strangest things they've done with
genetic alteration yet, implanting spider genes in goats. I mean, come on, that's just entirely too
twisted. I suppose they aren't hurting anything.. at least not yet, just wait until we've got eight-legged
venomous goats running around, then
they'll be sorry.
Any way, this
BioSteel stuff is kind of a neat idea, aside from the insanity that is
biotechnology in general. What they've done is put the gene that leads to
silk production in spiders, into goats, and in turn the milk they produce will have some special form of
protein in it. From this protein, they'll be able to produce a material known as BioSteel which will be used in the production of
bullet proof vests, aerospace and medical supplies. The
elasticity and
strength of spider silk is pretty unique, and the fact that it's lightweight makes it even more useful.
This goat operation is going to be in upstate
New York somewhere, and they've got a little less than 200 goats with the gene now. Ah, the crazyness of it all.. I just really don't want to be around when the whole thing goes
terribly wrong. Then, instead of biotechnology headlines, it will be, "
CRAZY FU#$*IN' GOAT SPIDER TERRORIZES NEW YORK!". Oh sure, they say, there's
no danger, no,
nothing to worry about.. we'll see about that.