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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.

5 of 184 comments (clear)

  1. 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!

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

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

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

    I, for one, welcome our new tetrachromate overladies!

    -L

  4. Re:Oblig. by Joebert · · Score: 3, Funny

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

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