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Glowing Monkeys

OCTOBER 20, 2009
Glowing Monkey/oil on board/16"x20"
Recently, researchers in Japan added a jellyfish gene that produces green fluorescent protein to marmoset monkeys. This new trait caused their feet to glow green. It was the first time scientists had added a gene to a primate that could be passed to a second generation. The article talks about the medical possibilities of curing diseases and the troubling ethical issues that could occur from this biological breakthrough. The ethical concern is inadvertently creating an animal with cognitive abilities such as rational thinking and moral reflection, especially if the gene comes from a human. The Island of Doctor Moreau seems all too possible! This painting was for MIT's Technology Review magazine.

On another note, I have an interview up on Communication Arts titled "10,000 hrs". Check it out, if you can!


© 2024 Chris Buzelli