contraceptive corn

contraceptive corn
(kon.truh.SEP.tiv korn)
n.
Corn that has been genetically modified to produce antibodies that destroy sperm.
Example Citation:
Among the weird uses for genetic engineering is contraceptive corn. Epicyte Pharmaceuticals Inc. is splicing into corn a genetic defect found in some women with the aim of making the plant generate a protein that kills sperm.
— Amy Martinez Starke, "Offbeat buffet," The Oregonian, December 25, 2001
Earliest Citation:
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have a dream: acres and acres of contraceptive corn bending in the wind. Dr. Kevin Whaley and his colleagues have succeeded in genetically modifying maize to produce human antibodies to sperm. They extracted DNA from the antibodies of immuneinfertile women (whose systems. attack incoming sperm), cloned it, and mixed it with corn DNA. After harvesting the corn, antibodies are purified from the seeds where they concentrate, processed and added to a lubricant. The researchers envision mostly Third World women applying the product as birth control 12 to 24 hours before sex.
— Celeste McGovern, "Birth control," Alberta Report, November 8, 1999
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New words. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • biopharming — (BY.oh.far.ming) n. Growing pharmaceuticals by using genetically modified plants. Also: bio pharming. Example Citation: Similar experiments are also taking place in animals. Genetically altered cows and goats can produce milk containing human… …   New words

  • crazy tobacco — n. Tobacco that has been enhanced genetically to provide more nicotine than regular tobacco. Example Citation: SANTA CRUZ DO SUL, BRAZIL Freakish tobacco plants that explode from the soil in this remote river valley grow huge leaves on stalks as… …   New words

  • farmageddon — (FARM.uh.ged.un) n. The conflict over the safety and health benefits of genetically modified (GM) foods. Example Citation: Other new economy issues have other international dimensions. European consumer resistance to genetically modified crops… …   New words

  • functional food — n. A food product that has been enhanced with vitamins or pharmaceuticals to provide specific health benefits. Example Citation: Other functional food products include higher calcium yogurt, calcium added ice cream, anti oxidant enriched eggs,… …   New words

  • good-for-you bacteria — n. Bacteria that are beneficial to health. Also known as probiotics. Example Citation: Probiotics, or good for you bacteria, are being marketed as live cultures in yogurt that function to ensure a healthy intestinal tract, increase calcium… …   New words

  • immunocow — (i.MYOO.noh.kow or IM.yuh.noh.kow) n. A cow that has been genetically modified to produce antibodies or other elements of the human immune system. Example Citation: The US government is also funding [PPL] to develop immunocows which generate… …   New words

  • molecular farming — (muh.LEK.yuh.lur FAR.ming) n. Genetically modifying plants to produce therapeutic or nutritional substances. Example Citation: The concept of molecular farming of genetically engineering plants so they make useful substances is a growing business …   New words

  • nutraceutical — (noo.truh.SOO.tuh.kul) n. A pill or other pharmaceutical product that has nutritional value; a food that has had its nutritional value enhanced by pharmaceuticals. (Also spelled as nutriceutical.) Example Citation: Purists, who stick to the… …   New words

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