The war against gene-doping athletes has begun. A lab renowned for testing human athletes, racehorses and greyhounds for illicit drug use has been asked to research ways to catch athletes who use gene therapy to enhance their performance.
Mice have already been genetically modified to become stronger and run for longer (New Scientist, 28 August, p 12). Similar techniques could in principle be used by athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency is worried that the technology is advancing fast enough to pose a serious threat to the integrity of the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.
It has funded a $400,000…
