University of Connecticut scientists are pioneering an exciting new world of biotechnological discovery with tremendous public health implications.

Under the direction of Dr. Xiangzhong (Jerry) Yang, head of the Biotechnology Center's Transgenic Animal Facility, a team of UConn researchers announced in June 2001, that a Holstein heifer named Daisy--cloned two years ago from a post-menopausal cow--gave birth to Norm, a 90-pound male calf. The fact that Daisy can reproduce demonstrates that clones follow a normal pattern of maturation. Previously, scientists had been concerned that cloned animals might age prematurely, reflecting the age of the DNA of the animals from which they were cloned.

Yang suggests that Norm's successful birth moves science a bit closer to the promise of "therapeutic cloning," in which human cells are used to create tissues for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson's.

"Demonstrating that clones from aged animals can develop and reproduce normally is important," Yang explains, "because when therapeutic cloning becomes applicable to human therapy, older individuals are often likely to be the intended beneficiaries."

Like Yang, Dr. Thomas Chen, director of the Biotechnology Center, is also conducting breakthrough transgenic research. Chen's investigations involve fish and invertebrates--transplanting genes from one species into another to yield new strains that grow faster, have varying physical characteristics, and are more resistant to disease.

Chen has also begun investigating a gene--originally found in fish--which possesses anti-tumor characteristics that may halt the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.

Elsewhere at UConn, Dr. Yi Li, head of the Biotechnology Center's Plant Transformation Facility, and Dr. Richard McAvoy, associate professor of plant science, have developed a novel gene construct that produces fuller, more aesthetically pleasing ornamental plants without the need for chemical growth regulators.

Currently, an estimated 60,000 pounds of the active ingredients found in growth-regulating chemicals are sprayed on ornamental crops in the United States annually to produce plants that are more compact, and have more branches and flowers. The new gene will aid in the cultivation of ornamental plants, while lowering production costs and reducing the potential for environmental contamination associated with agricultural chemical use.

These historic advances at UConn are attracting the attention of the international scientific community and the support of a variety of industries with an interest in biotechnology. Licensing these discoveries could also provide necessary financial resources for UConn researchers to further develop technologies that improve food production and keep plants, animals and the world's population healthier.