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Scientists Produce Fearless Mice
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."
Dude, that was Tom & Jerry.
I guess today is a passable day to die.
You'd end up with a Jacob's Ladder scenario where they become afraid of - and attack - friends and enemies at random.
Probably not unless overdosed. However PCP would still be utterly useless because it's a strong anesthetic, the soldiers would be just staring blankly and would have difficulties understanding even the most basic orders. You'd be better off giving them bottles of hard liquor.
Incidentally, there are lab mouse strains that don't have many of the anxiety behaviors like center avoidance. The article gives the impression that the knockout animals are utterly unmouselike, which is untrue.
What I'm listening to now on Pandora...
... and for that extra helping of protein hunt for insects and in the case of rats even small birds and other mice. Both rats and mice also eat unhatched eggs. They don't have fangs like dogs and cats, but anybody ever bitten by a rat will tell you they have razor sharp incisors and a powerful jaw and the bite hurts plenty.
However... to set the record straight, like most other mammals a rat will
only attack a human when cornered or provoked. I suggest you do not pickup
or otherwise try to pet the rat you find out in the streets but they are
actually some of the cutest mammals in existance and they
make excellent pets.
See the pages of the Rat & Mice Club of America http://www.rmca.org/ if you're interested.
Totally off topic, but that stuff about lemmings is completely wrong ;)
My blog. Good stuff (when I remember to update it). Read it.