New study creates glowing cats to help combat Aids

A new scientific study in the US has created genetically modified glowing cats as part of research into new methods of combating Aids and HIV.

Mayo Clinic researchers have been trialling a technique called gamete-targeted lentiviral transgenesis, in which genes from other species are inserted into feline eggs before fertilisation in order to transfer beneficial qualities.

These include restriction factors – proteins taken from rhesus macaques that can offer potent protection against viral infection – as well as genes from jellyfish for tracking purposes, which give the offspring subjects a green glow.

It is hoped that this research will offer new insights into how restriction factors function in the prevention of Aids, ultimately helping to advance understanding of gene therapy.

Dr Eric Poeschla, Mayo molecular biologist and leader of the international study, added: "One of the best things about this biomedical research is that it is aimed at benefiting both human and feline health."

Earlier this month, US researchers utilised dyes administered to the brains of mice to track the individual neurons associated with different taste sensations.