Monkeys With Autism Gene Created In China
- 8 years ago
According to a new study, scientists in China have created monkeys that display abnormal social and anxiety-related behaviors by inserting an autism-related gene into their eggs before fertilization.
Chinese scientists are attempting to explore treatments for autism in a controversial way.
They have genetically engineered monkeys to carry a gene which has been linked to the disorder in people, according a new study.
As such, these laboratory animals exhibit similar symptoms including circular pacing motions, limited social interactions, and signs of stress when looked directly in the eyes.
While the cause of autism is still unknown, 65 potentially related genes have thus far been identified.
In this experiment, the gene called MECP2 was inserted into the monkey eggs which eventually resulted in embryos carried to term by female members of the species.
Chinese scientists are attempting to explore treatments for autism in a controversial way.
They have genetically engineered monkeys to carry a gene which has been linked to the disorder in people, according a new study.
As such, these laboratory animals exhibit similar symptoms including circular pacing motions, limited social interactions, and signs of stress when looked directly in the eyes.
While the cause of autism is still unknown, 65 potentially related genes have thus far been identified.
In this experiment, the gene called MECP2 was inserted into the monkey eggs which eventually resulted in embryos carried to term by female members of the species.