The Mouse that Roared
Japanese scientists have created a mouse that is not afraid of its traditional arch enemy - the cat.
I don't know about you, but my reaction to this little news item found me scratching my head in bewilderment. When I read about this unique research project, I had to chuckle aloud. While this story is not exactly breaking news, when I accidentally came across it once again on the Internet, I was reminded just how much I wondered what in the world would inspire a scientist to consider a research project so seemingly bizarre. I cannot wrap my brain around the intrinsic value in the outcome of this project nor could I imagine how it might affect humankind; or for that matter the animal kingdom. Maybe you can figure it out.
I ain't 'fraid of no cat!
Scientists have created a "fearless" mouse. Yippee! After years of dedicated research, a Japanese scientist finally created a genetically altered mouse that is not afraid of cats. Moreover, this is important because?
I would assume that a huge amount of money was spent on a project whose object remains mysterious. Perhaps this research demonstrates that genetic tinkering is the wave of the future, but to what end? Perhaps folks who live with cats and who love these adorable rodents could benefit so that the "Stewart Littles" living among them would not have a heart attack when the resident pussycat appears before them. Nevertheless, one has to remember that the kitty would need to be genetically altered as well for this to transpire.
I wonder what might happen to the altered mice that may possibly escape from their laboratory. I bet anything the cats in their vicinity would be licking their chops, however.
Most of all I am wondering what will happen to Tom and Jerry. I think about that a lot these days.
Watch the fascinating video and leave a comment with your thoughts on this "important" piece of research. We are all anxious to read your reactions.
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Comments (9)
Pamie August 5, 2008 6:10 PM
HAHAHAHAHA.....this is too funny!
Sandy August 6, 2008 7:41 AM
Maybe to learn how to train our young soldiers to not be afraid of facing a gazillion enemy troops who want to kill him?
Or to help feed the feral cat population?
Had to be some sort of reasoning behind it.
Kathy Kvarda August 6, 2008 7:59 AM
OK...Isn't that cute. My question is, so what? Nature gave mice a way to protect themselves from predators. Why take that away? My cat, in her younger days, would have killed a mouse stupid enough to come close to her. Sometimes, I think, we should just leave nature alone. It knows what it is doing.
I do acknowledge that what this does prove is that when a natural generic mistake is made, there may be a way to alter it.
Thanks for the info, Jo.
Vicki August 6, 2008 9:02 AM
I know they said that the cat was docile, but c'mon. I have never seen any cat that would just ignore a mouse like that. I find that more amusing than the fearless mouse!
J.A. Morrison August 6, 2008 9:26 AM
Well, now if that mouse trait could be added to the population of mice world wide, more cats would be able to hunt successfully. Imagine the impact! The cat is hunting and a mouse just walks right up and offers himself as a sacrifice. I hate to say this but if they had set that mouse down in our house he would have been hot lunch in 2.3 nanoseconds. Seems like a big waste of time and money.Now if those scientists could only teach my neighbors dogs to not bark.
Margie August 6, 2008 10:32 AM
Topaz, spokescat for Da Idyho Clan reports "We are all looking forward to the day when we may 'sharpen' our skills against dozens of mice attacking our home front squeaking Banzai"!
annie August 6, 2008 8:13 PM
this is such a cute article! the mouse is adorable!!!
mary August 6, 2008 9:49 PM
Very strange behavior for both animals. Even though the cat was chosen because she is docile, I must say I have never seen one that docile. Cats are naturally curious. This one isn't. I'd have to say instints would kick in with the vast majority of cats. If not eaten, the mouse would be a dead toy.
Rani August 7, 2008 3:57 PM
What problem is this 'research' trying to solve? Making it easier for cats to catch mice? Trying to find the hot-button to genetically modify human soldiers to be fearless?
I don't like this, for the sake of the cat OR the mouse. Mousie who is fearless is going to get eaten. Cats don't want just to eat a mouse, they want to stalk it and kill it themselves. This kind of reminds me of the scene in Jurassic Park where they bring a goat up to where the T-rex's live and the paleontologist says that T-Rex doesn't want his food brought to him on a platter, he wants to hunt it.
My cats want to stalk and pounce just for the sheer fun of it. The once in a while that they actually catch and kill prey, they don't eat it. Some tree frogs got into our house one time and Baby has a field day... and brought me the carcasses. Not as a gift. Not as a lesson. No, he wanted me to make them move again! I am the animator of the feather-wand and the laser pointer... "Meowmy, make it MOVE again!"
I'm sorry, Baby, it is past that point :-(
My Baby would still be chasing that poor hapless mouse.
Rani
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