Glowing monkeys spark genetical engineering debate | Mail Online

05/27/09

Glowing monkeys spark genetical engineering debate | Mail Online

A quintet of genetically engineered glowing monkeys have proved that foreign genes can be passed onto future generations.

The five marmosets carry a fluorescent protein gene that causes their skin to glow under ultraviolet light. Scientists were able to show the gene could be inherited by their offspring.

The Japanese breakthrough opens up the prospect for the first time of monkeys being used – like mice – as research tools for the study of numerous human diseases.

Fluorescent: Kei the monkey has been genetically engineered so the soles of his feet glow green in the dark (inset)

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