Ron Hansen wrote:

Get over it. Genetic modification using knockout genes isn't all that
different from Mendelian genetic modification using selective breeding,
be it animal or plant.

It's completely different. Selective breeding enhances or promotes
traits that already exist within the species. Genetic modification of
the sort we're talking about involves taking genetic material from one
species, and inserting it into a completely unrelated species.

The methods are different, but the result isn't very.

Mendel never selectively bred a glowing bean.

I suspect that you are afraid of genetic manipulation. MUTANT ANTS FROM
OUTER SPACE are not going to start attacking.

No indeed, they aren't, since we're not talking about mutation, ants
or outer space. However, our science is in its infancy where genetic
manipulation is concerned, and we don't have the wisdom or knowledge
to predict the full results of these manipulations.

Let me remind you of a small bit of genetic engineering that has
touched your life directly. Have you ever had a flu shot? Have
you ever wondered how the vaccine is produced?

Vaccinations are developed and handled under controlled situations,
are comprised of inert (dead) organic material, and aren't likely to
be offered for sale in pet stores.

the danger remains of the genetically modified fish
infiltrating natural stock.

I can see the bio tope would be threatened if the danios glowed
in the dark. Of course, you'd have to take the farm-raised
glowing danios back to, where, the Amazon(?) in order to
infiltrate the stock.

The problem isn't limited to merely damage to the original stock, but
also to genetically altered non-native invasive species. We already
have a problem with people releasing non-native species for reasons of
gross stupidity. Let's not add to it by tossing genetically altered
species into the mix as well.

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