South Korean scientists create a glow in the dark dog (Tegon)!

Tegon, glowing in the dark.

Researchers at Seoul National University have announced the creation of a genetically modified, glow-in-the-dark dog using a cloning technique that could help find cures for human diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The researchers say that the ability to glow can be turned on or off by adding a drug named doxycycline to the dog's food.

The creation of Tegon, the glow in the dark beagle, opens new horizons since the gene injected to make Tegon glow can be substituted with genes that trigger fatal human diseases. Humans and Dogs share 268 known illnesses and creating dogs that artificially show such symptoms could aid treatment methods for diseases that afflict humans.

Led by Lee Byeong-chun, the researchers used the same somatic cell nuclear transfer technique to make Tegon glow that was used in 2005 to make the world’s first cloned dog, Snuppy. Tegon, took about 4 years of research at total cost in excess of 3 million dollars. 

Along with the potential to help cure deadly diseases, glow in the dark dog can also be:
1. Tied to bicycles and used in lieu of reflectors.
2. Used as bed side lamps.
3. Flash lights, in the event that there is no power.
4. High visibility scarecrows.
2. Used to scare naughty children that refuse to listen to their parents.

Tegon's paws visible seen to glow in the dark

SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2

Category: News