Search for better pork in space

[T_i_B]

I'm not sure what forum to put this story in, but I've decided on the Science forum over the Lounge or LBN. make of this what you will.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/08/11/wpigs11.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/08/11/ixportal.html

China's next manned space flight will carry capsules of pedigree pig sperm in an experiment that scientists hope will ultimately produce better quality pork.

The Shenzhou VI spacecraft will carry half an ounce of the sperm on its second mission, due in early October, to study whether exposure to outer space alters its genetic make-up.

Wang Jinyong, of the Chongqing Academy of Animal Husbandry, said: "Exposed to micro-gravity, high levels of radiation and magnetic fields, the DNA of the sperm will genetically mutate."

Once back on Earth, the sperm will be used to fertilise eggs and Mr Wang will observe the extent of the mutation.

[Goldom]

1. Yippie oh joy

Radioactive piggies.

[nookiemonster]

2. Yeah right., when pigs fly!

Nevermind.

:silly:

[whistle]

3. Holy shit, are they crazy?

....Random mutations of pork sperm in outer space brought back to earth and inseminated into healthy swine? That can only result in the kinds of genetic research that the Nazi war criminal Dr. Josef Mengele performed, only he did it on humans. Has Mr Wang discovered Mengele's note book? Totally insane.

[Ian David]

4. It was only a matter of time

[nookiemonster]

5. LOL

"Pigs in Space" was the highpoint of the Muppet Show IMO.

:silly:

[T_i_B]

6. Ooh can I say it?

PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGS
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN
SPAAAAAAACE!