Slashdot Mirror
Fluorescent Monkeys Cast Light On Human Disease
Hugh Pickens writes "BBC reports that a team of Japanese scientists has integrated a new gene for green fluorescent protein into the common marmoset, causing them to glow green under ultraviolet light, creating second-generation, glow-in-the-dark monkeys in what could be a powerful new tool in human disease research. Though primates modified to generate a glowing protein have been created before, these are the first to keep the change in their bloodlines. If a fluorescent protein gene can be introduced into the monkey genome and passed onto future generations, other genes could be too opening up a world of possibilities for medical research, such as the generation of specific monkey colonies containing genetic defects that mirror human diseases aiding efforts to cure such diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. However many people are likely to find the routine use of monkeys in medical research far less acceptable than that of rodents, drawing action from animal rights activists. 'I'm worried that these steps are being taken without any overall public discussion about whether we want to go down that road. We may find ourselves gradually drifting towards the genetic engineering of human beings,' says Dr David King, from the group Human Genetics Alert. '"Slippery slope" is a quite inadequate description of the process, because it doesn't happen passively. People push it forward.'"
I for one welcome our glowing primate overlords?........
I want phosphorescent monkeys, dammit.
Do they taste like pickles, too?
KHANNNNN!!!!!
Huh?
How many of you would pay extra for a child that would fluoresce?
Help! I'm a slashdot refugee.
Use the monkeys as light bulbs?
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits" - Albert Einstein
Take your shining paws off me, you damn dazzling ape!
However many people are likely to find the routine use of monkeys in medical research far less acceptable than that of rodents, drawing action from animal rights activists.
And once you have the attention of the animal rights activists, the harsh reality is that your research involves monkeys that fucking glow in the dark so it's not like they're easy to hide or anything.
If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
... let alone the article. Why spoil a great headline? Heck, I just like the "Fluorescent Monkeys" part.
But.. but.. improving humanity genetically = eugenism = nazi = evil! It's inherent, you can't even screen foetuses for genetic defects without bringing dystopian technofascism into power.
I think you skipped the "Nazis riding dinosaurs" in there, but otherwise that's obviously exactly what would happen.
John
He's not dead, he's pining for the fjords
If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
He will be in a minute.
Other than this text, there is no discernible information contained in this sig.
I don't always buy dead monkeys, but when I do, I prefer fluorescents.
No really he's feeling better, maybe he'll go for a walk soon.
A bullet may have your name on it but splash damage is addressed "To whom it may concern."
now you can make green offspring with no extra effort!
Some of us like the "effort" part, you know.
Flashing will totally take on a whole new meaning soon...
And /. will be pleased.
There are no perfect answers, only the right questions. More questions at http://foresightandhindsight.blogspot.com/
With monkeys??? :-P
Cheers
Lost at C:>. Found at C.
With monkeys??? :-P
If you can make offspring with monkeys, good luck. I'll be sticking to humanoids, though.