Yes, but the term “glow-in-the-dark” can be a bit misleading. The genetically modified chickens do not emit light in the same way that traditional glow-in-the-dark materials do. Instead, they contain a fluorescent protein that makes them glow under specific conditions, particularly when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Scientists have indeed created these glow-in-the-dark chickens through genetic modification. This research primarily aims to combat avian influenza (bird flu) by introducing a “decoy” molecule that mimics a crucial part of the flu virus genome, preventing the virus from replicating within the chickens. To facilitate identification of these genetically modified birds in laboratory settings, researchers also incorporated a fluorescent protein that causes them to glow green under ultraviolet light[2][4].
Key Developments in Glow-in-the-Dark Chickens
– Purpose: The primary goal of creating these glow-in-the-dark chickens is to develop a method to reduce the transmission of bird flu among poultry, thereby protecting both animal welfare and public health. The genetic modification allows the chickens to become resistant to the virus, although they may still contract it without transmitting it to others[3][4].
– Research Background: The project started around 2011 and has involved significant collaboration among scientists from various institutions. The glowing feature is not intended for commercial production; rather, it serves as a research tool to help monitor the effectiveness of the genetic modifications[2][5].
– Future Prospects: While these modifications show promise, researchers emphasize that they are still in the experimental phase. The ultimate goal is to produce chickens that are completely resistant to avian flu, which could take several more years of research and development before any potential commercialization[3][6].
Do They Glow in the Dark?
These birds glow only when you shine a UV light on them. The glow in genetically modified chickens primarily comes from the feathers due to the incorporation of a fluorescent protein gene. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, these chickens emit a green fluorescence, which is visible in their feathers. This characteristic is used for research purposes to identify and monitor the genetically modified birds, especially in laboratory settings.
- Fluorescence vs. Phosphorescence: The glow observed in these chickens is due to fluorescence, which means they emit light only when stimulated by UV light. In contrast, phosphorescent materials can store energy and continue to emit light even after the stimulating source is removed.
- Visibility: In normal lighting conditions, these chickens would not appear to glow. They would only exhibit their fluorescent properties in a dark environment under UV light.
In summary, while glow-in-the-dark chickens exist primarily for research purposes, for example, in work related to disease resistance, they represent a fascinating intersection of genetic engineering and veterinary science aimed at addressing significant public health concerns.
Read More
[1] https://www.livescience.com/50886-scientific-progress-dino-chicken.html
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/genetically-modified-glow-in-the-dark-chickens-could-beat-bird-flu/
[3] https://onpasture.com/2015/12/14/glow-in-the-dark-chickens-fight-bird-flu/
[4] https://www.reuters.com/article/business/environment/glowing-in-the-dark-gmo-chickens-shed-light-on-bird-flu-fight-idUSKCN0R71AZ/
[5] https://www.yahoo.com/news/glowing-dark-gmo-chickens-shed-light-bird-flu-145043144–finance.html
[6] https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/country-crossroads/did-you-know/glow-in-the-dark-gmo-chickens-shed-light-on-bird-flu-fight/
[7] https://www.poultrytimes.com/british-scientists-fighting-bird-flu-with-glow-in-the-dark-chicks/
[8] https://www.fooddive.com/news/solution-to-bird-flu-could-come-in-gmo-chickens-that-glow-in-the-dark/405300/