They include transplanting silkworm genes into goats, producing human organs through a stem cell bank, cloning corneas as a treatment for glaucoma, and studying gene pools of some of the nation's 56 ethnic minorities. Nevertheless, China was the only developing nation to participate in the Human Genome Project, a decade-old undertaking to map out chromosomes that make up the genetic code. Project researchers hope that by deciphering our genomes, they will be able to develop cures for hereditary diseases and birth defects. You have to make sure you use it for the betterment of mankind, not for its detriment. China's push into genetic engineering began in 1984 with the opening of a special government agency called the National Center for Biotechnology Development.
Chinese scientists believe stem cells can be used to grow body organs for transplant operations.
The U.S. government no longer funds such research because some kinds of stem cells are culled from aborted fetuses. The Chinese government is also bullish on genetic food products, though the public's attitude is difficult to gauge. Unlike the United States or other Western countries, China has no consumer rights movement or independent watchdog groups. The state-controlled press has given the issue of genetically modified food only positive coverage. The knowledge of possible side effects of such foods is almost nil among the average consumer.