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| | The *It's a Dog's Life* Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | SKorean Scientists Clone Cats that Glow in the Dark | Views: 689 | | Dec 16, 2007 11:40 pm | | SKorean Scientists Clone Cats that Glow in the Dark | # | 
Ann Rader | | SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- South Korean scientists have cloned cats that glow red when exposed to ultraviolet rays, an achievement that could help develop cures for human genetic diseases, the Science and Technology Ministry said.
Three Turkish Angora cats were born in January and February through cloning with a gene that produces a red fluorescent protein that makes them glow in dark. One died at birth, but the two others survived, the ministry said.
The ministry claimed it was the first time cats with modified genes have been cloned.
Scientists from Gyeongsang National University and Sunchon National University took skin cells from a cat and inserted the fluorescent gene into them before transplanting the genetically modified cells into eggs.
The development means other genes can also be inserted in the course of cloning, paving the way for producing lab cats with genetic diseases, including those of humans, to help develop new treatments, the ministry said.
"Cats have similar genes to those of humans," said veterinary professor Kong Il-keun of Gyeongsang National University. "We can make genetically modified cats that can be used to develop new cures for genetic diseases."
Keitaro Kato, a geneticist at Kinki University in western Japan who has cloned fish, said the research could be significant if it eventually helps treat people with hereditary diseases.
"People with genetic disorders usually have to receive treatment throughout their lives that is very hard on them," Kato said. "If these results can help to make their lives easier, then I think it's a wonderful thing."
South Korea's scientific reputation suffered a heavy blow after much-hailed stem-cell breakthroughs by scientist Hwang Woo-suk were found to be faked in late 2005. He remains on trial on fraud and other charges.
Ann Rader
http://www.PremiumPetProducts.com
I pray that these animals are given some level of interest and stimulation and not just kept in small cages. I have my doubts...
To see photos Google cloned cats glow in the dark.
Private Reply to Ann Rader | | Dec 17, 2007 9:54 am | | re: SKorean Scientists Clone Cats that Glow in the Dark | # | 
Matzo | | Ann-
I hope it's okay if I cross posted this on Dory & the Orphans Blog. I put your website link with your signature.
Other articles have said that cats are genetically similar to humans and a clone could be created to use for medical studies. Sounds to me that they think one life will be disposable if it is a clone.
Private Reply to Matzo | | Dec 17, 2007 2:35 pm | | re: re: SKorean Scientists Clone Cats that Glow in the Dark | # |
Ann Rader | | Hi Matzo,
Of course, post far and wide. I picked the article up from Google is all. All lab animals are disposable ... although I understand that there are times when they are adopted out when their stay at the lab is complete, assuming they are still alive. I recently heard of a pig sancutary that took some pigs when a lab released them. Most of us are more hurt when it's a species we live with and love that's subjected to who-knows-what. It's just devistating over all. We can only pray for some quality of life while the animals are there.
Ann Rader
http://www.PremiumPetProducts.comPrivate Reply to Ann Rader | | |
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