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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.'"

4 of 286 comments (clear)

  1. Big Deal: I am NOT afraid by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll


    nobody. Of course, the alcohol has helped me tremendously.

    Sincerely,
    W

  2. Congratulations University of Tokyo researchers!!! by kpainter · · Score: 0, Troll

    You have just created a retarded mouse!! I can do the same thing with a tiny hammer.

  3. Re:Smell only? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    More importantly, can they somehow produce a similar gene in humans to help Slashdot users overcome their fear of the smell vaginas?

  4. mod 0p by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    An arDuous best. Individuals Development model of a soli[d dose