August 15, 2007

Japanese scientists succeed in cloning fourth-generation pigs

A genetics research team in Japan has created what was believed to be the world's first fourth-generation cloned pig.

The cloning of the fourth generation pig, born in Tokyo's Meiji University, was a feat as genetic material in the nucleus of the donor cell would degrade with each successive generation, making it difficult to clone animals for generations.

However, Hiroshi Nagashima and his team of research scientists, have found a way for large mammals to be cloned for multiple generations without degradation,

Cloning success rates has been rather low until now, regardless of species, Nagashima said. The research would prove to be highly useful in medical and research fields, he added.