Eggs play vital role in breakthrough disease research.

Eggs play vital role in breakthrough disease research.Japanese scientists have genetically engineered hens whose eggs contain drugs that can fight serious diseases, including cancer and multiple sclerosis, according to reports. Researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology – working with pharmaceutical firm Cosmo Bio - introduced genes that produce interferon beta into cells which are precursors of chicken sperm, according to the English edition of Yomiuri Shimbun. They then used the cells to fertilise eggs and create hens which inherited the genes, meaning the birds were able to lay eggs containing the disease-fighting agent. The scientists now have three hens, laying daily, whose eggs contain the drug. Safe production of interferon beta – a type of protein used to treat illnesses – could massively cut the price of the drug, which is around $888 for a few microgrammes. Eggs