Designer plant oozes vital fish oils

• Autores: Andy Coghlan
• Localización: New scientist, ISSN 0262-4079, Nº. 2950, 2014, pág. 12
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • A biofuel crop related to cabbages, called camelina, has been genetically modified to produce components of fish oils beneficial for cardiovascular health. The approach could relieve some of the pressure on the oceans. The flesh of oily fish such as mackerel and salmon, plus the livers of white fish such as cod, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The most important ones are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)--known to reduce the risk of heart disease--and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)--a lack of which has been linked to visual and cognitive problems. Johnathan Napier and colleagues at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, UK, have created an alternative, sustainable source of EPA and DHA.