About those glow in the dark cats
As Kelly posted earlier, the South Koreans have cloned cats with RFP genes. A side-effect is that the cats glow under ultraviolet light. Sure, there's probably a legitimate scientific reason for these experiments (it proves that the manipulated gene was passed on to the clone), but the cynic in me wonders if there isn't another motive. 
Perhaps the researchers' retirement accounts will now be funded by revenue generated by consumers who just have to have a glowing cat as a pet. What could be more hip? Skeptical? Did you know you can buy genetically altered zebra fish that glow in lots of different florescent colors from your local PetCo? The one exception is California where those left coasters seem to think that using the awesome powers of genetics ought to be used for less frivolous purposes. Hm.
-Andrea Kalfoglou
photo: GloFish.com
Earlier on blog.bioethics.net:
+ Transgenic fish bust in New Zealand
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It is the commercialization of such "designer pets" that bothers me about this. Coming from a negative utilitarian standard (avoid doing harm), this development appears frivolous, potentially harmful, and disrespectful to the dignity of animals. We are treating them like robots or a product rather than as a living being with needs and an interest in being treated humanely. I worry about the shifts in how we will view animals in the wake of this "new exciting feature!" and what that will inspire in us as we find ourselves unable to understand more while still maintaining respect for the dignity of life.
I am allergic to pet dander (dogs and cats), and love cats dearly. But I cannot bring myself to consider a "made to order" hypoallergenic cat - such a "feature" brings no benefit to the cat itself and could hold potential dangers for it.
- by SabrinaW on Dec 17, 2007 at 2:04 PM | link