In the heart of Los Angeles, a bold and visionary biotech startup known as The Los Angeles Project (LAP) is working on a dream that sounds like it came straight out of a science fiction novel. Co-founded by two renowned figures in the field of biohacking — Josie Zayner and Cathy Tie — this startup has captured the attention of the scientific community, animal lovers, and futurists alike. Their mission? To create genetically engineered pets that are not only visually stunning but could also one day resemble the mythical creatures we’ve long admired in folklore and fantasy stories.
The company’s initial creation is already turning heads: bioluminescent rabbits that glow softly in the dark. The technology behind this involves the insertion of a jellyfish gene known as GFP (green fluorescent protein), which makes these animals emit a gentle glow under specific lighting conditions. But what makes LAP’s vision so exciting — and controversial — is not just glowing rabbits. Their roadmap includes long-term plans for developing “impossible” creatures: unicorns with shimmering horns, dragon-like reptiles, and birds with iridescent feathers that shift colors like oil slicks in sunlight.
The implications for science and society are staggering. On one hand, such genetic innovations could lead to new advances in medicine, environmental adaptation, and the elimination of allergens in common household pets. Imagine cats or dogs engineered to be completely hypoallergenic, making pet ownership accessible to millions who currently suffer from allergies. On the other hand, the ethical questions are complex: Should we engineer living creatures purely for aesthetic or entertainment purposes? Could genetically altered species disrupt ecosystems if accidentally released into the wild?
Despite these concerns, LAP is pushing forward with significant financial backing from the 1517 Fund and a growing list of private investors. The startup has also attracted interest from artists, futurists, and wealthy collectors eager to one day own what could be considered “living artwork.” Their next major goal: securing regulatory approval for commercial release and conducting long-term studies on the health and well-being of genetically modified pets. For now, the glowing rabbits are confined to their research labs, but if all goes according to plan, Los Angeles could soon become the global hub for custom-designed pets, merging cutting-edge science with the magic of fantasy. laessay.com
The company’s initial creation is already turning heads: bioluminescent rabbits that glow softly in the dark. The technology behind this involves the insertion of a jellyfish gene known as GFP (green fluorescent protein), which makes these animals emit a gentle glow under specific lighting conditions. But what makes LAP’s vision so exciting — and controversial — is not just glowing rabbits. Their roadmap includes long-term plans for developing “impossible” creatures: unicorns with shimmering horns, dragon-like reptiles, and birds with iridescent feathers that shift colors like oil slicks in sunlight.
The implications for science and society are staggering. On one hand, such genetic innovations could lead to new advances in medicine, environmental adaptation, and the elimination of allergens in common household pets. Imagine cats or dogs engineered to be completely hypoallergenic, making pet ownership accessible to millions who currently suffer from allergies. On the other hand, the ethical questions are complex: Should we engineer living creatures purely for aesthetic or entertainment purposes? Could genetically altered species disrupt ecosystems if accidentally released into the wild?
Despite these concerns, LAP is pushing forward with significant financial backing from the 1517 Fund and a growing list of private investors. The startup has also attracted interest from artists, futurists, and wealthy collectors eager to one day own what could be considered “living artwork.” Their next major goal: securing regulatory approval for commercial release and conducting long-term studies on the health and well-being of genetically modified pets. For now, the glowing rabbits are confined to their research labs, but if all goes according to plan, Los Angeles could soon become the global hub for custom-designed pets, merging cutting-edge science with the magic of fantasy. laessay.com