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Single Gene Gives Mice Three-Color Vision
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.
Mice get on my chimes anyway
Oh no, frankenmice! Protest! Burn the company's CEO in effigy! Alert the coastguards! Weblog until you are blue in the face!
Move along.