New scientific research into life enhancing genetic modification is paving the way for a near future where humans are able to live far beyond today's average life expectancy.
Scientists have genetically engineered "super mice" that can run further and faster, live longer and reproduce for longer with the view to one day applying the same science to enhance the performance of human athletes.
The mouse can run up to six kilometres at a speed of 20 metres per minute for five hours or more without stopping. Scientists said that this was equivalent of a man cycling at speed up an Alpine mountain without a break. Although it eats up to 60 per cent more food than an ordinary mouse, the modified mouse does not put on weight. It also lives longer and enjoys an active sex life well into old age – being capable of breeding at three times the normal maximum age.
The mice were bred by altering a single metabolism gene, a gene which is incidentally shared with humans. One side effect which was unexplainable to the scientists was that the mice became very aggressive.
Scientists hope that one day this concept may be utilised in the production of super humans… A bit scary isn’t it.
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