Chicago — U.S. scientists have developed a strain of green-glowing cats with cells that resist infection from a virus that causes feline AIDS, a finding that may help prevent the disease in cats and advance AIDS research in people.
The study, published Sunday in the journal Nature Methods, involved inserting monkey genes that block the virus into feline eggs, or oocytes, before they are fertilized.
The scientists also inserted jellyfish genes that make the modified cells glow an eerie green color — making the altered genes easy to spot.
This kind of stuff has been going on for a while, gene insertion and color marking I mean. When I was in college we tagged proteins with glowing chemicals and watched them move through worm digestive tracts. Cool stuff I know but lets get back to the point. Here is research using furry little cats. Of course I do not know the living conditions of these cats but I am sure it is better than living in the rocks at the Port and fighting for your every meal. The rats I was associated with for research were breathing filtered air, drinking plenty of filtered water and always fed well. The got the Guillotine at the end but most were very well treated.
Research is cool and does not have to be hard on animals. I think animals have to be used some times just because you need a living mammal. There are no other good choices. Science and research are vital for future development as human beings.
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