Researchers at the
National
Taiwan University Department of Animal Science and Technology have bred pigs
that glow in the dark.
Three male piglets, born three months ago, have green eyes, teeth and
trotters and their skin glows green under blue light. The researchers said that
the fluorescence continues through the piglets' bodies including their internal
organs.
The piglets were created by adding DNA from glowing jellyfish to embryos
which were then implanted in normal pigs. Some 265 eggs were altered and
implanted and the three piglets were the only viable end results.
The pigs will be used to test cures for human diseases as the green tinge
will make the pig matter easier to spot. Pigs are commonly used in this way as
their cells are very similar to those of humans.
It is now hoped that the altered pigs will breed with their normal brethren
and eliminate the need for genetic manipulation.
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