Glow-In-The-Dark Kittens Help Find Cure For AIDS/HIV! [VIDEO]

Posted on September 13th, 2011 by Jenny Antin

bangstyle.com Kittens HIV Glow In The Dark FIV Cats featured entertainment Glow In The Dark Kittens Help Find Cure For AIDS/HIV! [VIDEO]

Three bright neon kittens have been genetically engineered to help scientists study certain molecules that could potentially stop AIDS. These kittens pass the gene to their offspring and have been reported by scientists to be an ideal animal to help them with this study (as opposed to mice or other animals). In fact, the study may even end up helping the cats themselves.

You see, human HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and the disease FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) found in domestic felines are the two organisms facing the AIDS pandemics in the world right now. The domestic cats had their DNA modified with a gene that fights off an HIV-like virus and a second one – from a fluorescent jellyfish – that makes their bodies shine green under ultraviolet light. The scientists claim to only place a tiny amount of the gene into the kitties bodies, but enough to be efficient.

To be honest, I kind of just really liked the glow-in-the-dark cats, but if you’re interested in all of the scientifical details and jargon click here.