Originally published October 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 22, 2008 at 8:38 AM
Comments (4)
E-mail article
Print view
Glowworms do it; now a cat can, too
Everyone knows cats can see in the dark, but that wasn't good enough for some New Orleans scientists. They produced Mr. Green Genes, a cat...
Newhouse News Service
NEW ORLEANS — Everyone knows cats can see in the dark, but that wasn't good enough for some New Orleans scientists. They produced Mr. Green Genes, a cat that glows in the dark and is destined to be more than just a novelty for Halloween parties.
He's a nearly 6-month-old orange tabby but, under ultraviolet light, his eyes, gums and tongue glow a vivid lime green, the result of a genetic experiment at the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species.
Mr. Green Genes is the first fluorescent cat in the United States, said Betsy Dresser, the center's director.
The researchers made him so they could learn whether a gene could be introduced harmlessly into the feline's genetic sequence to create what is formally known as a transgenic cat. If so, it would be the first step in a process that could lead to the development of ways to combat diseases via gene therapy.
The gene, which was added to Mr. Green Genes' DNA when he was created earlier this year in the Audubon center's laboratory, has no effect on his health, Dresser said.
Cats are ideal for this project because their genetic makeup is similar to that of humans, said Dr. Martha Gomez, of the center.
In normal light, Mr. Green Genes — his name comes from Mr. Green Jeans, a character on the long-departed "Captain Kangaroo" television show — looks like any other feline.
But turn out the room lights and switch on some black light, and you can see glowing ears, nostrils, eyes and gums. Those body parts light up because the protein is more likely to express itself in mucous membranes, Lyons said.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Senate Democrats split on health bill's fate
UPDATE - 03:27 PM
SC gov faces 37 charges he broke state ethics laws
U.K. started planning early for war, leaked papers show
Vaccine to kill nicotine buzz now in late tests by small drug firm
India's feeling bruised even before White House visit

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy with penalty kicks after 120 minutes of play at Qwest Field in Seattle.
general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Sporting goods
just listed
8 Drawer Dresser with Attached Mirror - $200
8 seat pecon formal dining table and china hutch - $1500
A American Table, Chairs and Bench - $275
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
shopping
Give yourself a treat and visit Watson Kennedy's Holiday Open Houses
More minding the store
events for Monday, Nov. 23
- Seattle Premium Outlets Thanksgiving Weekend ...
- Handbag-a-Palooza at Clover House
- Contractors equipment and vehicle auction
- Holiday Sale at Pink Ginger
editors' picks
- West Seattle shopping
- Vintage, consignment and used clothing
- Garden furnishings
- Local jewelry designers
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Tugboat sinks at Seattle waterfront pier
- Illegal workers quietly let go
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
- Craigslist adoption ad: A plea by young mother-to-be? A scam?
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
- Woman stabbed by stranger in North Seattle
- Snow piles up on Cascade slopes
- Denny Triangle gains skyline, but tenants slow to come
- Illegal workers quietly let go
312 - Climate change speeds up since 1997 Kyoto accord
184 - Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
170 - Metro won't cut bus service after all
127 - Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle
93 - Tattoos at Mill Creek Church pierce skin, soul
74 - Jerry Brewer: Seahawks can't lean on the Hutch Crutch now
69 - New Husky recruit: Enes Kanter
64 - UW, WSU once again meet to see who's worse
62 - Ranking the Pac
53
- Sprouts, raw fish on attorney's 'do not eat' list
- Tattoos at Mill Creek church pierce skin, soul
- Illegal workers quietly let go
- Food-safety lawyer's wish: Put me out of business
- Rediscovering Moab, 'the most beautiful place on Earth'
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Architects, chefs find 'kid' within to build Gingerbread Village
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Taste | The Great Pie Bake-off pits friends and fruit





