27 Feb 2015 - Jellyfish DNA

Okay. I tend to think that I am pretty up on what's going on in the world. Every now then I run across something that gives me one of those head-slaps. The old how-come-I-hadn't-ever-heard-of-this before kind of slap. 

Today's event happened at the pet store. I was making the wet food, dry food, cookies and litter run and on my way to check out I decided to cruise the tropical fish aquariums. Part of me really wants to have an aquarium again, but fortunately common sense has prevailed. So far. 

As I walked down the aisle checking out all the fish, I was stopped dead in my tracks by some fluorescent fish. Red, yellow, green, purple fish and blue fluorescent fish. Just like something from Dr. Seuss: One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.

The label called them Glofish. Oh, yeah, they really do glow.

I talked with one of the employees who told me that the fluorescence was created by injecting fish embryoes with jellyfish DNA. After that, all subsequent babies breed true with the DNA.  Astounding!  Turns out this started in China when scientists were trying to use fish to determine how polluted streams or lakes were. 

I have never been one to condone genetically modified food or animals, but if I could fluoresce I would be happy to be modified. Wow. Then a little Googling and I discover that piglets have been treated as well. Glow in the dark pigs. Green pork anyone? 

But seriously, look at this. Doesn't it make you want to set up an aquarium?