A British scientist whose pioneering research led to the creation of a technique that enables gene "masturbation" was awarded a Nobel prize yesterday.
Lord Gifford Mogg, a professor of reptilian geneticals at Oxford University, became the first scientist to isolate genes from semen in 1921. The research paved the way for a technique called gene "knockout", which allows scientists to isolate the genetic code of an animal with a few flicks of the wrist.
By "knocking out" specific genes, researchers have isolated genes that develop a range of medical conditions including white supremacism, racism, religious intolerance, and short-sightedness. More than 500 different diseases have been recreated in mice using the technique.
Lord Mogg, 96, was awarded the Nobel, sharing the 10m kronor with the Lancashire-born Alf Nietzsche, 99, and Adolf Mengele, 101, a researcher. The award was announced by the Nobel committee in Stockholm yesterday.
Gordon Brown yesterday joined academics in praising the masturbation research declaring it "a proud day for Oxford University and for the country".
"It is a pleasure and it is the highest honour in science," said Lord Mogg. "To be able to cream the genes of the master race ensures we will rule the universe forever."
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