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Genetically Engineered Mouse is Not Scared of Cats

Posted by Zonk on from the good-for-the-cat-not-so-much-the-mouse dept.

Gary writes "A team from the University of Tokyo has genetically engineered a mouse that does not fear cats. By tweaking genes to disable certain functions of the olfactory bulb (the area of the brain that receives information about smells directly from olfactory receptors in the nose) the researchers were able to create a 'fearless' mouse that does not try to flee when it smells cats, foxes and other predators. 'The research suggests that the mechanism by which mammals determine whether or not to fear another animal they smell -- and whether or not to flee -- is not a higher-order cerebral function. Instead, that decision is made based on a lower-order function that is hardwired into the neural circuitry of the olfactory bulb.'"

3 of 286 comments (clear)

  1. Man is he in for a surprise or what? by MagicBox · · Score: -1, Redundant

    That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. Creating a Mouse that is not scared of the Cat? Do you understand the implications of evolution that such "achievement" can have on both species? First of all Cats will not need to chase the mice around anymore creating a new species of over weight, couch potato Cats, with health problems and eventual premature death Second, the Mice not being affraid of the cats will face sudden, violent deaths and have no hope of surviving. The next logical step would not be to make Mice that are more powerful than cats or at similar level, so at least they can put up a fight...and die with some dignity

    --

    The phaomnneil pweor of the hmuan mnid. Fcuknig amzanig eh!
  2. toxoplasmosis parasite also flips this switch by doug141 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070403-cats-rats.html

    "The parasite Toxoplasma gondii uses a remarkable trick to spread from rodents to cats: It alters the brains of infected rats and mice so that they become attracted to--rather than repelled by--the scent of their predators. "

  3. If memory serves... by RJBeery · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ...toxoplasmosis does the same thing to mice.

    In a fascinating infectious lifecycle, a mouse with toxoplasmosis is eaten by a cat, which then harbors the responsible parasite in its intestinal tract. The feline's feces is now infected, and the next mouse to come in contact with it is now infected as well. This mouse now loses his innate fear of cats, which virtually guarantees that he'll be eaten. Lather, rinse, repeat!

    -R