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.'"
"Slippery Slope" is an idea pushed by the ultra-conservative republicans in an attempt to prevent any kind of societal progress. A means to spread FUD, it is the absolute lowest of all attacks that can be given, as it needs no facts, proof, or any kind of truth to be taken for the claim to be considered truthful and factual. For a better example, see the false and flimsy arguments against gay marriage.
Also, where in hell did that last quote come from? It makes no sense in this context, and it doesn't appear in any of the links.
I mean this is beyond believe they do this to those poor creatures.
This only shows their incompetence in model scenarios, so they just modify the DNA of primates and watch what happens, that is pretty low and disgusting, terrible trial and error approach.
But I see the point, these gruesome Japanese scientists probably want to advance themselves from being the missing link between humans and monkeys.
My glowing dick casts light on human jealousy?
How about,
A generation of specific monkey colonies containing genetic defects that mirror human diseases is aiding efforts to cure such diseases as your mom's Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease?
I mean, she is on her way over here. The question is, does Alzheimer's let me bang her in the ear?