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Taiwan Breeds Transgenic, Fluorescent Green Pigs

Posted by Zonk on from the because-your-day-wasn't-distopean-enough dept.

ScentCone writes "Transgenic pigs (and other critters) are valuable research tools because of their utility in studying human diseases. Tracking changes in some developing tissues is going to be easier, say a Taiwanese team that has introduced fluorescent, green proteins into the breeding. Said one of the researchers: 'There are partially fluorescent green pigs elsewhere, but ours are the only ones in the world that are green from inside out. Even their hearts and internal organs are green.' Do you like green eggs and ham?"

3 of 261 comments (clear)

  1. Why this is great science. by Robert1 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    What this proves is that it is possible to induce protein induction on all major organs in animals. This same technique could in theory be used to express self-surface proteins on an animal that can be grow in 1-2 years. These organs could then be harvested and used for human transplants. By having self-proteins the body won't rejected the transplant and there would be a relatively cheap and practical supply of usable organs.

  2. Another use by Belseth · · Score: 4, Interesting

    If the process could be adapted to work on developing cells and attach only to cancer cells it could help speed detection and make it easier to see cancerous cells during surgery. The obvious benefit would be with melonomia. If after a treatment cancerous moles would change color it'd make detection possible without biopsies and help see if it was spreading.

  3. Pics by kevin_conaway · · Score: 3, Interesting

    This article from the BBC has pictures.

    They appear to glow in the dark!