December 17, 2007
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmFearless Mice Cozy Up to Cats
Eau de feline normally sends mice scurrying, but not so in a new breed of mouse engineered by Japanese researchers to lack a subset of olfactory neurons in the nose.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Eau de feline normally sends mice scurrying, but not so in a new breed of mouse engineered by Japanese researchers to lack a subset of olfactory neurons in the nose. The resulting rodents sidled up to their mortal enemy for a leisurely how-do-you-do [above], implying that a mouse's "fear" of cats is innate, not learned, the team reports in a recent issue of Nature. Smell-based learning was intact in the mice, however: with training, they avoided cats like any self-respecting rodent.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
