Genetically Engineered Mouse is Not Scared of Cats 286
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.'"
Re:Smell only? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Smell only? (Score:5, Funny)
Not New (Score:3, Funny)
Not news. They already engineering ones that do not fear my wife. It was only a matter of time.
Another team took the opposite approach and genetically engineered many people I know to have an irrational fear of global warming.
I'm glad their tackling this fear things from both ends.
Finally, a breakthrough for slashdot users... (Score:5, Funny)
In other news... (Score:4, Funny)
I hope the scientists don't try for a patent.. (Score:5, Funny)
Not surprising. (Score:2, Funny)
And his name is Jerry. (Score:5, Funny)
it is ridiculous to extrapolate (Score:5, Funny)
mmm... who's cooking brownies?
Re:Now (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Smell only? (Score:0, Funny)
Re:Fearless Mice.. (Score:5, Funny)
Their only weakness is a slightly increased risk of cancer when exposed to various substances. Oh, if only we had invested equal resources in building better cats!
Re:An example for non-hunters who may not know (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Smell only? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Oh really? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Not surprising. (Score:3, Funny)
No, it's the other way around
Re:Oh really? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:An example for non-hunters who may not know (Score:2, Funny)
Re:I for one.. (Score:2, Funny)
Not With Other Genetic Modifications (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Finally, a breakthrough for slashdot users... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Fearless Mice.. (Score:4, Funny)
Solution is worse than the problem! (Score:5, Funny)