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Scientists Produce Fearless Mice

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the no-cheese-is-safe dept.

Dotnaught writes "According to New Scientist, a Rutgers University geneticist has found that turning off a specific gene for the protein stathmin makes mice fearless. The story speculates that this research might improve treatment for phobias. It does not mention obvious military applications for the discovery. As noted in this Naval Officer's guide for managing fatigue, the use of amphetamines to stay alert, followed by sedatives to sleep, has a long tradition. Genetic treatments may offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals."

8 of 499 comments (clear)

  1. My Vision of the Future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    These mice escape and breed in the wild. Enormous of fearless mice terrorize the world's cat population. It's not going to be pretty.

    1. Re:My Vision of the Future by ozmanjusri · · Score: 5, Funny
      In fact this situation is possible and not funny at all.
      It was the night before Christmas and a creature was stirring. It was a mouse, a grey mouse, a lean and hungry grey mouse.
      A slight breeze shuffled discarded newspapers in the grimy alley as the mouse crept a little closer to its prey. The tip of its scaly tail twitched in anticipation as it tensed its muscles for the leap.

      With saliva dripping from its fangs, the mouse covered the intervening centimetres in a huge bound, jaws fastening viciously onto its prey, a high-pitched growl issuing from deep from within its belly. Snarling, the ferocious rodent tore at the flesh of its enemy, and the rottweiler leapt to its feet with a surprised yelp.

      The mouse, every muscle shaking with anger and bloodlust, bit deeper through the rottweiler's fur, amost drawing blood, until the startled dog nipped its head off and swallowed it.
      No, you're right, it isn't funny.
      --
      "I've got more toys than Teruhisa Kitahara."
  2. Like Red Baron by mindflow · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now scientist need to figure out how to make theese mice pilot planes.

  3. Obligatory fearless mice joke... by KingSkippus · · Score: 5, Funny

    Three mice were sitting in a bar, each trying to impress the others with how tough they were.

    The first one said, "When I see a mousetrap, I deliberately set it off, bench press the bar fifty times, then snack on the cheese."

    The second one, not to be outdone, said, "Yeah? Well, every morning when I get out of bed, I stir in some cream and rat poison in my coffee. It gives me a good buzz that really wakes me up and gets me going."

    They both look at the third mouse who, after a few seconds, gets up and says, "I don't have time for this bullshit. I've got to go home and fuck the cat."

  4. Danger Mouse by wenchmagnet · · Score: 5, Funny

    He's The Best
    He's The Greatest
    He's The Greatest Secret Agent In The World!
    He's The Ace - He's Amazing...
    He's the Strongest... He's The Quickest.... He's The Best!

  5. I for one.... by rathehun · · Score: 5, Funny

    ....have a large stock of cheese, for our new....

  6. These already exist by Karem+Lore · · Score: 5, Funny

    They are called lemmings...

    --
    When all is said and done, nothing changes...
  7. Re:Good old PCP by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Users of PCP report memory loss, difficulties with speech and learning, depression, and weight loss. These symptoms can persist up to a year after cessation of PCP use. PCP has sedative effects, and interactions with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, can lead to coma or accidental overdose. Use of PCP among adolescents may interfere with hormones related to normal growth and development.

    Ask your doctor if PCP is right for you.

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?