GLP podcast: Dangers of ‘diet weed’; Making insulin in cow’s milk; The conservative case for genetic enhancement

• Coming era of cattle farming: Genetically engineered dairy cow produces human insulin in milk

Scientists have successfully engineered a dairy cow that produces human insulin in its milk. Though it was only a proof-of-concept study, the ultimate goal of this research is to develop a more affordable way to mass produce drugs humans depend on to treat and prevent disease. Insulin was an appealing test case because it is still exorbitantly expensive, even though pharmaceutical companies can produce large quantities of the hormone with existing technology. If more drug makers produce medicines using a variety of methods, they may be able to lower consumer prices and thereby expand access to life-saving drugs. Of course, it remains to be seen if genetically engineered cows are a viable solution to ballooning drug costs.

•  The radical conservative case for genetic enhancement Jonathan Anomaly

Going back decades, prominent conservative thinkers have objected to human genetic engineering on ethical grounds. They argue that it is irresponsible to permanently modify a person’s DNA (often before they’re born) without understanding the long-term consequences. But there appears to be some internecine debate developing on the political right, with some commentators arguing that technologies like germline editing are necessary to conserve the health of our society. Let’s take a closer look at this “radical conservative” case for genetic enhancement.