Hey fish lovers, wave goodbye to those annoying tiny bones that turn every bite into a mini obstacle course! 🐟💨
Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by Academician Gui Jianfang, just announced their latest win: a gene-edited Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) nicknamed “Zhongke No. 6” that’s completely free of intermuscular bones (IBs). No more pesky Y-shaped spines hiding in your curry, steamed fish, or fish fry! 🍛🍲
Here’s the science in a nutshell: researchers mapped the carp’s complex genome to find the “architect” gene runx2b, which tells those 80+ micro bones to form. Using CRISPR/Cas9—think molecular scissors for DNA—they snipped out that code at the embryonic stage, so the fish still develops a healthy skeleton but skips the tiny spines.
But wait, there’s more! Zhongke No. 6 is a triathlon champ in the fish world: it grows faster, resists disease in high-density farms, and needs less feed for the same protein punch. That means more sustainable aquaculture and lower costs for producers—a win for wallets and the planet 🌏💚
This breakthrough caps a six-year quest under the CAS’s “Precision Seed Design and Creation” program. For our South and Southeast Asian foodies, imagine enjoying a spicy Thai pla rad prik or Bengali fish curry without hunting for bones—just pure, smooth bites of fishy goodness. 🤤
Whether you’re a tech nerd, a foodie, or someone who simply hates spitting out tiny fish bones, this is a game-changer for your next feast. What would you cook first with bone-free carp? Drop your dream recipe below!👇
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
