I wonder how long it will be before scientists somewhere in the world genetically engineer a unicorn…

It shouldn’t be too difficult; I figure… probably just a little inter-mammalian DNA swap between a horse, and either a narwhal (for the classic spiral horned look), or a goat (additionally lending the classic cloven hooves and billy-goat beard).

(A single horned horse/goat hybrid also might go some way towards explaining why Uni from the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon bleats like a kid).

Plus, considering that Dolly the cloned sheep came out of Scotland (a country with unicorns on their Royal Arms… Coincidence? I think not), the ‘Unicorn Conundrum’ surely is not a matter of if, but when.

Since New Year’s Eve seems an appropriate time as any for prognostication, I put the question to you, dear Studiosavant reader:

When on earth will scientists finally create the first genuine Unicorn?

To clarify the criteria, I think we must agree that the beast in question should:

1. Look remarkably like a horse.
2. Have a single horn growing from the middle of its forehead.

While not required, I personally think it should also be white (if they make a brown unicorn, it will hardly count as a triumph in my books). Cloven hooves and billy-goat beard would also be plusses, but I don’t think we can require them, or the lion’s tail (they’d sure be pretty sweet finishing touches, though).

Register your prediction in the format of Day/Month/Year in the comments section below. By doing so, you agree to ante $20 (CDN) into the pot (to be held onto by yourself until Uni’s birth announcement, as verified by reputable scientific authorities). Closest date wins: winner takes all, losers are on their honour to pay up.*

The more votes we receive, the bigger the pot will grow! Good luck, and Happy New Year!

*Failure to comply will be punishable by a violent goring of almost mythological proportions.