Human Brain Cells Used to Make Mice SmarterQuoteFor the study, Goldman's team implanted human glial stem cells into the brains of newborn mice. Stem cells are primitive cells that give rise to mature, specialized cells.
The researchers found that over time, the human glial stem cells matured and replaced the mouse glial cells -- in essence, "taking over their brains," Goldman said.
His team then used mouse-appropriate learning tests -- like the classic escape-from-the-maze challenge -- to compare the animals' functioning with that of mice with no human glial cells.
"We thought these mice should be smarter. They should be able to learn faster," Goldman said. "And that's what we found."
"It's a remarkable finding," said James McGaugh, a research professor of neurobiology and behavior at the University of California, Irvine.
The results "elevate the role" of glial cells in human brain functioning, said McGaugh, who was not involved in the research. As for human health and disease, he added, "I don't see any immediate implications. But clearly these are exciting findings that warrant further investigation."
http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=674155 (http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=674155)
3 days later they escaped from their habitats and took the scientists hostage. :P
I have mixed feelings about this kind of research. The ethical issues make me queasy. If this study is public I can only imagine what is happening in classified labs.
I am very pro-science but I have definite visceral limits.
Frankenstein is a cool story but I really don't want to live it.
Don't worry, it is the mice living it not you mate. :)
Quote from: VillageIdiot on March 29, 2013, 03:25:37 PM
I have mixed feelings about this kind of research. The ethical issues make me queasy. If this study is public I can only imagine what is happening in classified labs.
I am very pro-science but I have definite visceral limits.
Frankenstein is a cool story but I really don't want to live it.
You don't but people are living it. Against their wishes. Be happy you are not living it. What we gotta do is be aware of what IS going on and to be responsible beings and see that the right thing is done.
Edward
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_mPrhwpZ-8