Glow-in-the-dark cats cloned

South Korean scientists have cloned cats that glow red when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

The country's Science and Technology Ministry said it is an achievement that could help develop cures for human genetic diseases.

Three Turkish Angora cats were born in January and February through cloning to include a gene that produces a red fluorescent protein that makes them glow in the dark.

One died at birth, but the two others survived.

“Scientists from Gyeongsang National University and Sunchon National University took skin cells from a cat and inserted the fluorescent gene into them before transplanting the genetically modified cells into eggs.

"Cats have similar genes to those of humans,” veterinary professor Kong Il-keun of Gyeongsang National University said. “We can make genetically modified cats that can be used to develop new cures for genetic diseases.”

Keitaro Kato, a geneticist at Kinki University in western Japan who has cloned fish, said the research could be significant if it eventually helps treat people with hereditary diseases.

“People with genetic disorders usually have to receive treatment throughout their lives that is very hard on them,” Mr. Kato said. “If these results can help to make their lives easier, then I think it's a wonderful thing.”