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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Genetically Engineered Mice Don't Fear Cats


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A genetically modified mouse sniffs a cat in Tokyo in an undated photo.

Using genetic engineering, scientists at the University of Tokyo say they have successfully switched off the rodents' instinct to cower at the smell or presence of cats. The researchers say their experiment shows that fear is genetically hardwired and not leaned through experience, as commonly believed.

Photograph courtesy Ko and Reiko Kobayakawa, University of Tokyo Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry Graduate School of Science, HO/AP