Kong and the glowcats

The Associated Press
December 14, 2007 at 8:47 AM EST
SEOUL — South Korean scientists have cloned cats that glow red when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
The country's Science and Technology Ministry said it is an achievement that could help develop cures for human genetic diseases.
Three Turkish Angora cats were born in January and February through cloning to include a gene that produces a red fluorescent protein that makes them glow in the dark.
One died at birth, but the two others survived.

A handout photo released in Seoul by the Ministry of Science and Technology shows cloned cats under normal light that have a fluorescence protein gene, left, and glowing under ultraviolet beams. The technology could help develop treatments for human genetic diseases, the developers said. South Korean Ministry of Science and Technology/AFP/Getty

Scientists in Japan have created a genetically modified mouse that they say shows no fear when confronted with a cat

The ministry says it is the first time cats with modified genes have been cloned.
The development means genes can be inserted in the course of cloning, paving the way for producing lab cats with genetic diseases to help develop new treatments.
“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.
"Cats have similar genes to those of humans,” veterinary professor Kong Il-keun of Gyeongsang National University said. “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,” Mr. 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.

Originally Posted By AERIAL_RAVER HEEEY, LEAVE THE WORMS ALONE! ;) THEY SHOULD TRY IT WITH HUMANS, THEY'RE THE ONE WHO STARTED MESSING WITH DNA IN THE FIRST PLACE...