Taiwanese breed fluorescent pigs

Green back bacon anyone?

Written by Iain Thomson

Researchers at the National Taiwan University Department of Animal Science and Technology have bred pigs that glow in the dark. 

Three male piglets, born three months ago, have green eyes, teeth and trotters and their skin glows green under blue light. The researchers said that the fluorescence continues through the piglets' bodies including their internal organs.

The piglets were created by adding DNA from glowing jellyfish to embryos which were then implanted in normal pigs. Some 265 eggs were altered and implanted and the three piglets were the only viable end results.

The pigs will be used to test cures for human diseases as the green tinge will make the pig matter easier to spot. Pigs are commonly used in this way as their cells are very similar to those of humans.

It is now hoped that the altered pigs will breed with their normal brethren and eliminate the need for genetic manipulation.

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