Genetically modified fluorescent fish could help the early detection of cancer

Cancer detecting fluorescent fish and mini pigs are just some of the animals on display at the Bio Taiwan 2013 Exhibition.

The animals are being used to help advance medical investigation in key areas such as cancer research.

Liver genes in the fish are modified and dyed to help monitor cell growth, it is hoped that the technique might, one day, be used to highlight cancerous tissues.

Gong Hong-Yi, Professor at Taiwan Ocean National University explained the importance of these colourful fish in the early detection of cancer.

"With the technology used in these fish, we can monitor the growth of liver cancer cells, how they develop, and also detect the early cancer "macro gene" (early gene mutation) so that we can make an early enough diagnosis of cancer."

The mini pigs, which are bred from various Taiwanese breeds, will be used for a variety of medical research purposes.

Source AP