Was There Really a Rabbit That Glowed in the Dark?

In 2000, French scientists spliced crystal jellyfish protein into a white rabbit's genome and the rabbit later glowed under black lights. Animal rights groups were quick to protest any further experimentation with jellyfish protein in animals. However, the crystal jellyfish, Aequorea victoria, was originally used to help study diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The jellyfish's green fluorescent protein was used to illuminate invisible processes that were once unable to be studied within a cell. This enlightening discovery won the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

While the name might imply the opposite, jellyfish are not a type of fish but are invertebrate, cousins of sea anemones and coral.

More about jellyfish:

• The Australian box jellyfish is the most deadly species of jellyfish and is difficult to spot in water because it is almost entirely transparent.
• Nomura jellyfish can grow up to 450 pounds and seven feet in length.
• A group of jellyfish is called a swarm, smack or bloom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was there really a rabbit that glowed in the dark?

Yes, there was indeed a rabbit that glowed in the dark. This rabbit, named Alba, was genetically modified by splicing its DNA with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene found in jellyfish. As a result, Alba glowed green under blue light. This scientific endeavor was part of an art project by Eduardo Kac in collaboration with French geneticist Louis-Marie Houdebine.

Why was the glowing rabbit created?

The glowing rabbit was created as a work of bio-art by Eduardo Kac. The project, titled "GFP Bunny," aimed to spark public debate about the ethical implications of genetic engineering. Scientifically, the use of GFP has practical applications in research, such as tracking gene expression and monitoring the progression of diseases in living organisms.

How does the green fluorescent protein (GFP) cause the rabbit to glow?

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) absorbs blue light and then re-emits it as green light, which is why the rabbit glows green under specific lighting conditions. When the GFP gene is inserted into an organism's DNA, it integrates with the host's cells, causing them to produce the fluorescent protein and exhibit bioluminescence when exposed to the right light.

Are there any other animals that have been genetically modified to glow?

Yes, several other animals have been genetically modified to glow using GFP or similar proteins. These include mice, pigs, fish (like the GloFish), and even cats. Researchers often use this technology to study diseases, gene function, and to develop new medical treatments by tracking the expression of genes tagged with the fluorescent markers.

Is the glowing rabbit harmful to the environment or itself?

There is no evidence to suggest that Alba, the glowing rabbit, was harmful to herself or the environment. However, the release of genetically modified organisms into the wild can pose ecological risks, such as disrupting local ecosystems or outcompeting native species. Alba was kept in a controlled laboratory environment to prevent any potential ecological impact.

Can glowing rabbits be purchased as pets?

No, glowing rabbits like Alba are not available for purchase as pets. Alba was a unique creation for an art project and not bred for commercial purposes. Moreover, the genetic modification of animals for pet trade raises significant ethical, legal, and environmental concerns, and such practices are generally not supported by the scientific community or regulatory agencies.