At first glance one might file this in the “is this really necessary” department, but Mr. Green Genes (… ok awesome) is more a “proof of concept” of the ability to introduce new genes in a way that’s harmless to the organism. Researchers added the fluorescene gene lovingly named “enhanced green fluorescence protein” to the cat’s DNA as a marker that would easily demonstrate the success of the therapy — under UV light the animal glows a spooky green that indicates the new gene is being expressed without having any adverse effect on the cat’s health.

This particular gene therapy is a precursor to successful development of “knockout gene” therapy that could combat genetic diseases in humans by effectively turning the bad, mutant genes off and replacing them with genes that work normally. It’s also Mr. Green Genes’ ticket to being the most sought after Halloween cat on the planet.

[Via Kurzweilai.net]

progress totally pwns the spinning beachball of death.

[Via Dan-O]