Fearless Mouse
In this undated photo released by Tokyo University’s Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry Graduate School of Science, a genetically modified mouse stays near a cat in Tokyo. Using genetic engineering, scientists at Tokyo University say they have successfully switched off the rodents’ instinct to cower at the smell or presence of cats, showing that fear is genetically hardwired and not leaned through experience, as commonly believed. (AP Photo/Ko and Reiko Kobayakawa, Tokyo University Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry Graduate School of Science)[source]
… This could lead to a better mouse trap. Or at least, a whole new world of Friday cat-blogging.
Have you read the breakthrough novel of the year? When you are done with that, try:
In Search of Sungudogo by Greg Laden, now in Kindle
or Paperback
*Please note:
Links to books and other items on this page and elsewhere on Greg Ladens' blog may send you to Amazon, where I am a registered affiliate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps to fund this site.
or Paperback
*Please note:
Links to books and other items on this page and elsewhere on Greg Ladens' blog may send you to Amazon, where I am a registered affiliate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps to fund this site.
I CAN HAS FEERLESS MOWSEEZ??
Interesting. There’s a parasite that has the same basic effect, yes? The parasite needs to complete its life cycle in a cat, so it hijacks the mouse’s brain and switches off the fear response to cat smell.
Do you think they could work on removing my instinctual fear of level crossings? Now that would be cool.