Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Single Gene Gives Mice Three-Color Vision

Posted by kdawson on from the colors-you-can't-see dept.

maynard writes "A study in the peer-reviewed journal Science shows that mice transgenetically altered with a single human gene are then able to see in full tri-color vision. Mice without this alteration are normally colorblind. The scientists speculate that mammalian brains even from animals that have never evolved color vision are flexible enough to interpret new color-sense information with just the simple addition of new photoreceptors. Such a result is also indicated by a dominant X chromosome mutation that allows for quad-color vision in some women." A sidebar in the article includes a nice illustration of what two-color vs. three-color mice might perceive.

12 of 184 comments (clear)

  1. Oblig. by electrosoccertux · · Score: 2, Funny

    I, for one, welcome our new full-spectrum-observing mice overlords...

    1. Re:Oblig. by Harmonious+Botch · · Score: 1, Funny

      I, for another, will eek out a living in their service.

    2. Re:Oblig. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I, for one, welcome our new tetrachromate overladies!

      -L

    3. Re:Oblig. by ScrewMaster · · Score: 2, Funny

      I had one but I can't beat yours.

      --
      The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
    4. Re:Oblig. by Joebert · · Score: 3, Funny

      Here she comes !
      Do you think she'll notice me ?

      --
      Wanna fight ? Bend over, stick your head up your ass, and fight for air.
    5. Re:Oblig. by Eudial · · Score: 2, Funny

      I argue that the suitable Simpsons-quote would be "The goggles: They do nothing!"

      --
      GAAH! MY PRINTER IS ON FIRE!!! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT!
  2. Here is a picture of the modified mice by JackMeyhoff · · Score: 2, Funny

    http://mag.awn.com/issue8.08/8.08images/goodman02_ PinkyBrain-01.jpg

    --
    http://www.rense.com/general79/wdx1.htm
  3. Quad = 4?? by blakmac · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Such a result is also indicated by a dominant X chromosome mutation that allows for quad-color vision in some women."

    Are you kidding me? You know darn well that women can see at least 75 shades of off-white...

    --
    http://wstewart.php0h.com - the sugarbuzz project blog
    1. Re:Quad = 4?? by Harmonious+Botch · · Score: 4, Funny

      Ahhhh...that's why my wife says that my clothing never matches!

  4. Squant by Threni · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm holding out until I can see Squant: http://negativland.com/squant/index.html

  5. Re:How full is full spectrum? by John+Hasler · · Score: 2, Funny

    We can, if the intensity is high enough.

    --
    Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
  6. this makes sense by scooviduvoctagon · · Score: 2, Funny

    A sidebar in the article includes a nice illustration of what two-color vs. three-color mice might perceive.

    ... thus explaining why mice show no outward tendencies towards jealousy or violence, and behave in a highly cautious manner at all times.