Cats that Glow

Message

themanintheseersuckersuit · #1 Post by **themanintheseersuckersuit** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:14 pm

Because we love Cats and Things that Glow in UV light

Report: Researchers Clone Fluorescent Cats

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Researchers in South Korea have cloned a cat and modified its genes so that it will glow red under ultraviolet light, the Korea Times reports.

The Gyeongsang National University researchers, led by Prof. Kong Il-keun, modified the genes of Turkish Angora cats so that a red protein would glow in their skin when exposed to ultraviolet light, the paper reports.

The scientists modified the skin cells of the mother cat by using a virus to make the protein fluoresce, according to the Times.

Four of the glowing kittens were born in January and February of this year, but only three survived.

Researchers found that cells throughout the dead kitty fluoresced red, the paper said.

gsabc · #2 Post by **gsabc** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:22 pm

Ummmm, is there anything in the report saying WHY they did such a thing? I'll admit, it would be useful so you don't trip over the fool cat on your way to the bathroom in the dark of the night. I doubt that was the reason, though.

Rexer25 · #3 Post by **Rexer25** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:26 pm

gsabc wrote:Ummmm, is there anything in the report saying WHY they did such a thing? I'll admit, it would be useful so you don't trip over the fool cat on your way to the bathroom in the dark of the night. I doubt that was the reason, though.

But only if you carry a UV flashlight on your way to the bathroom.

tanstaafl2 · #4 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:09 pm

The point is not so much to make the cats glow but rather to use it as a marker to see if the genes can be successfully modified.

Apparently they can. Whether the modification results in other "unintended" consequences needs to be evaluated as well.

Concerns abound about the potential misuse of gene modifcation but the potential for good, at least to some, abound as well.

TheConfessor · #5 Post by **TheConfessor** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:06 pm

gsabc wrote:Ummmm, is there anything in the report saying WHY they did such a thing? I'll admit, it would be useful so you don't trip over the fool cat on your way to the bathroom in the dark of the night. I doubt that was the reason, though.

Cat's are like potatoes. They glow when they need water.

gsabc · #6 Post by **gsabc** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:20 pm

TheConfessor wrote:
gsabc wrote:Ummmm, is there anything in the report saying WHY they did such a thing? I'll admit, it would be useful so you don't trip over the fool cat on your way to the bathroom in the dark of the night. I doubt that was the reason, though.
Cat's are like potatoes. They glow when they need water.

If true, then one of ours would make a good night light. We're constantly chasing him out of the bathroom sink so we can use it. He licks at the faucet.

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #7 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:06 pm

gsabc wrote:Ummmm, is there anything in the report saying WHY they did such a thing? I'll admit, it would be useful so you don't trip over the fool cat on your way to the bathroom in the dark of the night. I doubt that was the reason, though.

I would get a cat that glowed, just so I wouldn't trip on them in the middle of the night. I usually trip on Lucy, the black cat, and she doesn't appreciate it.

a1mamacat · #8 Post by **a1mamacat** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:16 pm

Cats don't sweat

we glow

nuf said

KillerTomato · #9 Post by **KillerTomato** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:18 pm

There was a repeat of "The Big Bang Theory" Monday night which featured bioluminescent goldfish...to be used as nightlights.

Ritterskoop · #10 Post by **Ritterskoop** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:27 pm

Roomie says he would like to have cats with barf and other stuff that glows in the dark so he doesn't step in it.

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #11 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:57 pm

Ritterskoop wrote:Roomie says he would like to have cats with barf and other stuff that glows in the dark so he doesn't step in it.

That would be nice too. I have have stepped in cat barf, many times.

TheGlowingPotato · #12 Post by **TheGlowingPotato** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:11 pm

TheConfessor wrote:
gsabc wrote:Ummmm, is there anything in the report saying WHY they did such a thing? I'll admit, it would be useful so you don't trip over the fool cat on your way to the bathroom in the dark of the night. I doubt that was the reason, though.
Cat's are like potatoes. They glow when they need water.

I'm happy to have been a pioneer in this wonderful research to ensure that no living thing goes thirsty....

earendel · #13 Post by **earendel** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:35 am

gsabc wrote:Ummmm, is there anything in the report saying WHY they did such a thing? I'll admit, it would be useful so you don't trip over the fool cat on your way to the bathroom in the dark of the night. I doubt that was the reason, though.

Probably to match the glowing potatoes they were manufacturing.