Scientists Create Fluorescent Pigs

Scientists in Taiwan say they have bred three “glow in the dark” pigs. While other researchers have bred partly fluorescent pigs, these are claimed to be the only pigs in the world which are green through and through, reports the BBC:

The pigs are transgenic, created by adding genetic material from jellyfish into a normal pig embryo. The researchers hope the pigs will boost the island’s stem cell research, as well as helping with the study of human disease.

In daylight, the researchers say the pigs’ eyes, teeth and trotters look green. Their skin has a greenish tinge. In the dark, shine a blue light on them and they glow torch-light bright. The scientists will use the transgenic pigs to study human disease. Because the pig’s genetic material is green, it is easy to spot.

BBC - Taiwan breeds green-glowing pigs (by Chris Hogg)

Naturally, scientists need more fluorescent pigs before such tests can begin, and the team hopes the three little pigs will mate and produce glow-in-the-dark offspring. And, of course, they will have a nice fundraising sideline in knocking out fluorescent bangers for the kids’ novelty food market.

The Register – Boffins breed fluorescent pig