The World from PRX

Science Note – Cats Illuminate HIV Research

By inserting monkey genes resistant to the virus, along with jellyfish genes into feline embryos, scientists are using glowing cats to find treatments for HIV and AIDS.

Feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV affects domestic cats the same way HIV affects humans. Scientists are developing gene therapy treatment that may offer immunity to the virus and that also has glow-in-the-dark results. Living on Earth’s Jack Rodolico reports.