New York, Oct 25 (IANS) Using the gene-editing technology CRISPR, Chinese scientists have created pigs that are thinner and leaner -- with about 24 per cent less body fat than normal pigs. Decreasing the fat could also help the pigs to be less susceptible to cold in winter, thus cutting costs for farmers. "They could maintain their body temperature much better, which means that they could survive better in the cold weather," said Jianguo Zhao from the varsity, reported independent.co.uk quoting NPR.org. In the study, the researchers successfully created 12 pigs with just under a quarter less body fat than regular pigs. They inserted a mouse version of a gene called Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) -- known for regulating body temperature -- into the pigs.

Source: Economic Times October 25, 2017 15:22 UTC