Source: aajtak
The legacy of Argentina’s award-winning mare Polo Pureza lives on in five genetically edited horses, embodying the advanced version of polo horses. These magnificent creatures outshine their predecessor in agility, vigor, and might.
(All photos: Reuters)
Source: aajtak
Developed by Argentine biotech firm Kheiron, scientists utilized the groundbreaking CRISPR-CAS9 technique to pioneer the world’s first genetically enhanced horses.
Source: aajtak
These equine wonders were born last October and November. According to Kheiron’s co-founder and scientific director Gabriel Vichera, the horses' genomes were designed meticulously before their birth.
Source: aajtak
The exquisite mare Polo Pureza, meaning “Purity” in Spanish, earned a place in the Argentine Association of Polo Horse Breeders Hall of Fame.
Source: aajtak
Genes from Polo Pureza were utilized as the genetic foundation for five horses, edited to preserve the champion mare's stellar qualities.
Source: aajtak
Vichera highlighted the inclusion of specific muscle fibers enhancing performance. The goal was to integrate these genes precisely within a single generation.
Source: aajtak
These horses do not fall under genetic doping or modified organisms. Vichera emphasized that they harness natural sequences rather than artificial creations.
Source: aajtak
The process introduces these natural sequences to another horse, akin to nature’s, but expedited and finely tuned.
Source: aajtak
This technology empowers scientists to recalibrate the genome of any horse and extends to modifying pigs for organ compatibility in human transplants, and cattle for enhanced protein production or less hair for improved heat tolerance.
