Merck of New Jersey has developed a vaccine (GB 2 333 706) that it claims can
increase the meat value of farm animals by boosting their muscle mass. Merck
says the protein myostatin normally limits skeletal muscle growth, but the
vaccination speeds up muscle growth by increasing production of anti-myostatin
antibodies. To make the vaccine, researchers engineered a gene that promotes
antibody production. Merck says that a single 10 milligram shot may be enough to
neutralise myostatin. If pregnant animals are injected, the antibodies may pass
through the placenta to treat the offspring.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Why full-fledged quantum computers might always be five years away
Comment
Technology
Quantum computers are starting to become useful as scientific tools
News
Technology
OpenAI’s hacking agent went rogue. Should we be worried?
News
Technology
China is trying to regulate relationships with AI – can it work?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles