Biotech Updates

Most Americans Accept GE Animals for Human Health, Study

August 29, 2018

The most widely accepted use of genetically engineered (GE) animals involves mosquitoes to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases, according to the survey conducted by Pew Research Center.

The survey was conducted on April 23-May 6, 2018 among 2,537 U.S. adults to understand the public perception of GE animals. The results showed that 70% of the participants believe that GE mosquitoes is an appropriate use of biotechnology to prevent the spread of some mosquito-borne diseases. Majority (57%) also considers it appropriate to use GE in animals to grow organs or tissues for humans needing transplants. However, other uses of animal biotech were found to be less acceptable to the public such as developing more nutritious meat for human consumption, restoring extinct animal species from closely-related species, as well as producing glow fish.

Based on the results, most Americans are in favor of using GE for health reasons, over other uses. Read the complete report from Pew Research Center.