Podcast
Scientists predict strong thirst for 'human milk'
Updated: 2011-03-22 10:51
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Genetically modified (GM) dairy products that are similar to human milk will appear on the Chinese market in two years, an expert in biotechnology has predicted.
Li Ning, a scientist from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the State Key Laboratories for AgroBiotechnology at China Agricultural University, said progress in the field is well under way.
Li said Chinese scientists have successfully created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk that contains the characteristics of human milk.
He said the technology is at the cutting edge worldwide and will ensure "healthy protein contained in human milk is affordable for ordinary consumers."
Photos depicting the GM cows were on display between March 7 and 14 in Beijing, showcasing China's major technological achievements during the period of the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010).
"In ancient China, only the emperor and the empress could drink human milk throughout their lives, which was believed to be the height of opulence," Li said.
Human milk contains two kinds of nutrition that can help improve the immune system and the central nervous system of children. The components are not available in milk produced by goats or cows.
Li said the scientific world had not found a way to mass-produce those ingredients. The GM milk will be as safe to drink as that of ordinary cows, he added.
The Ministry of Agriculture issued bio-safety examination certificates for the GM herd in March 2010, giving the scientific team a 22-month period to test the technology in laboratories.
The ministry will then evaluate the results before deciding whether to allow the milk to be sold.
"The milk tastes stronger than normal milk," Li said. "Within 10 years, people will be able to pick up these human-milk-like products at the supermarket."
Questions:
1. What genetically modified (GM) products are coming soon to supermarkets?
2. How soon will they be available?
3. Why is human milk thought to be good?
Answers:
1. Dairy products that are similar to human milk.
2. Some experts predict two years.
3. Human milk contains two kinds of nutrition that can help improve the immune system and the central nervous system of children.
（中国日报网英语点津 Helen 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.
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