A group of scientists at Europe's Max Planck Institute plan on studying DNA from one of the Internet's most famous (and magical) cats, Lil BUB, but they need your help in doing it.
The scientists started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the $6,500 they need to sequence Lil BUB's DNA.
And although this seems like some sort of pop culture gimmick, Lil BUB's DNA is as magical as the cat herself: because Lil BUB suffers from a series of genetic mutations that give her dwarfism, polydactyly (BUB has thumbs), osteopetrosis (a rare bone disease), along with other diseases and conditions. Her DNA could hold the secret of genetic mutations not just in cats, but also in humans.
That's right: the very mutations that make Lil BUB so unique and give her the appearance that made her famous could also provide valuable information to science.
"While Lil BUB's combination of traits is unique, we know humans, cats, dogs and mice that have certain subsets of these features," writes the scientists on their crowdfunding campaign page. "Often, such similar traits in different animals are caused by matching changes in their DNA."
So Lil BUB's mutations could be similar to those found in other animals and humans. By sequencing her DNA, scientists can identify her genetic mutations. Once the scientists have that information, they plan on sharing it with the world so that other scientists can also study it.
We always knew Lil BUB's magic could help the world, so this could be her chance.
As of this morning, the LilBUBome project has raised nearly $4,000. With 19 days left in the campaign, it's likely that the crowdfunding effort will find success. If you're interested in helping out, you can donate here.
LilBUB's owner, Mike Bridavsky, is also on board. Not only has he already donated a sample of Lil BUB's blood to the cause, but he's spoken up about it, too.
"By processing and researching BUB's DNA, we could potentially learn a great deal about how mutations work, how mutations affect other mutations, and why they happen, where they come from, and with this information we may eventually be able to figure out how to prevent them," Bridavsky tells Catster.
Of course, the project also serves another purpose. By using such a popular cultural icon, scientists hope to raise awareness about genetic testing, specifically for rare diseases, such as the ones Lil BUB suffers from.
[Photo Credit: Mike Bridavsky]
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
