Weird science

I understand that this has to do with genetic research that could lead to cures for diseases, but that doesn't make it any less freaky:

South Korean scientists say they have engineered four beagles that glow red using cloning techniques that could help develop cures for human diseases. The four dogs, all named "Ruppy" — a combination of the words "ruby" and "puppy" — look like typical beagles by daylight.

But they glow red under ultraviolet light, and the dogs' nails and abdomens, which have thin skins, look red even to the naked eye.

Seoul National University professor Lee Byeong-chun, head of the research team, called them the world's first transgenic dogs carrying fluorescent genes, an achievement that goes beyond just the glowing novelty.

"What's significant in this work is not the dogs expressing red colors but that we planted genes into them," Lee told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Boy, I can't wait until they decide to genetically engineer kittens with venomous fangs or flying snakes.

Okay, actually, flying snakes would be kind of cool. Horrifying, yes, but kind of cool.