Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
Scientists have used CRISPR gene-editing technology to create a hypoallergenic beagle, potentially offering a solution for people with dog allergies. While the breakthrough is promising, experts warn of potential long-term health risks and negative impacts on animal shelter adoption rates.
Why it matters
This represents a significant intersection of biotechnology and animal welfare, raising ethical questions about genetic modification for human convenience.
NEW YORK — Matt Walker couldn't pet a dog without sneezing — until he and other scientists used a gene editing technique to produce a hypoallergenic beagle named Bailey.
Now, he can feed Bailey spoons of peanut butter while she lies on his lap and play fetch with her in Central Park. His allergies didn't go away: Bailey's saliva and hair no longer contain a key allergy-causing protein.
"The feeling right now is sort of a mix of relief and awe and gratitude that it worked," said Walker, a geneticist. His company, Kindred Companion Sciences, created Bailey and her twin Alfie using a Nobel Prize-winning technique called CRISPR.
It'll take years before the millions who suffer from dog-related allergies can walk into a pet store and buy a pooch like Alfie or Bailey.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in