A future for bioengineered salmon?

Link to Podcast

Alison Van Eenennaam, a Cooperative Extension specialist in animal genomics and biotechnology, appeared on the December 9, 2011 edition of “Science Friday,” a weekly program on science and technology heard on National Public Radio. The topic she discussed with Dr. Anne Kapuscinski of Dartmouth College was the debate over the science and safety of bioengineered fish, from regulatory concerns to environmental impact.

A biotech company named AquaBounty Technologies has been seeking FDA approval for 15 years for a genetically modified fish called the AquAdvantage® Salmon, which grows twice as quickly as non-transgenic Atlantic salmon. To listen to the podcast, go to http://www.sciencefriday.com/audio/scifriaudio.xml. Click on the link to: “SciFri 120911 Hour 2: Transgenic Salmon, Pythons and Hearts.” 

Van Eenennaam, of the Department of Animal Science, does extensive outreach to provide education on the use of animal genomics and biotechnology in livestock production systems.