Japanese Develop Fearless Mouse

Posted by Greg Laden on December 13, 2007
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Fearless Mouse
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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.

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Comments

  1. #1 Barn Owl
    December 13, 2007

    I CAN HAS FEERLESS MOWSEEZ??

  2. #2 Aaron
    December 13, 2007

    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.

  3. #3 Mojoey
    December 13, 2007

    Do you think they could work on removing my instinctual fear of level crossings? Now that would be cool.