In the news today is the announcement that South Koreans have cloned cats with altered fluorescence proteins (RFP). The idea is to be able to eventually develop treatments for human genetic diseases. Researchers are also suggesting that other uses for this technology will include rescuing species from near-extinction.
And, as an added side bonus, the cats glow when exposed to when exposed to ultraviolet beams. They certainly look kind of cool.
Of course, I suspect South Korea and the scientists themselves are on edge, given the Hwang Woo-Suk scandals — but all things considered, that whole thing probably makes this particular achievement all the more likely to be true.
-Kelly Hills
Originally posted at the American Journal of Bioethics Editors Blog.