Company Launches Sneakers Made From Stingrays

In a controversial move, new footwear company Rayfish has launched a line of sneakers made entirely out of genetically engineered stingray parts.

Retailing for the hefty sum of $1,800, the “stingray” shoes can be custom designed for the consumer by scientists, who are reportedly able to “etch” colouring and designs into the DNA of the stingray’s skin.

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“We cannot breed any desirable shape or logo on the fishes, as our patterning process works by recording and recombining DNA of existing animals,” said Dr. Raymond Ong, head of Rayfish Footwear.

“Squares are for instance not possible, as the expression of the DNA on the skin doesn’t allow it. Also, the patterns that grow on the actual fish sometimes slightly differ from what you see in the design tool. Although it is almost perfect, we are still developing the mapping between the design tool and the DNA encoding further.”

With a tagline like, “From sea to street. Grow your own sneaker,” it seems only a matter of time before PETA gets involved.

Would you ever buy sneakers made out of stingray parts?
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Image courtesy of Rayfish.