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)
... This could lead to a better mouse trap. Or at least, a whole new world of Friday cat-blogging.
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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.