Testers fear reality of genetically modified Olympians

LONDON, Aug 8:There have been “marathon mice,” “Schwarzenegger mice” and dogs whose wasted muscles were repaired with injected substances that switch off key genes. It may not be long before we get the first genetically modified athlete. Some fear the use of gene therapy to improve athleticism is already a reality. But since sports authorities’ drug testing methods still lack the sophistication needed to pick up gene doping, its status remains unclear. (agencies)
LONDON, Aug 8:There have been “marathon mice,” “Schwarzenegger mice” and dogs whose wasted muscles were repaired with injected substances that switch off key genes. It may not be long before we get the first genetically modified athlete. Some fear the use of gene therapy to improve athleticism is already a reality. But since sports authorities’ drug testing methods still lack the sophistication needed to pick up gene doping, its status remains unclear. (agencies)