Genetic engineering boosts mouse intelligence

hurin wrote to us with the story about scientists raising the level of learning and memory in the subject mice. Of course, they get into the potential for human genetic manipulation as well, something which is sure to spark a conflagaration of right vs wrong genetic engineering debates.

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First genetic programming, and right after that, genetic engineering. Coincidence? I think not! It's a secret government conspiracy to link us all to the hive mind by using free internet access as a vehicle for world domination! Resistance is futile.. you will be assimilated.

Okay, I think it's obvious who hasn't had their morning coffee yet... I'll leave /. alone for awhile now. :)

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Re:Increased Intelligence - Maybe

But the American Dairy Council is funding the reasearch, since even though the I.Q. benefit may be small, all people who undergo the treatment will have an insatiable appetite for cheese.

Why Brain, what are we going to do tomorrow night?

Could Pinky and The Brain become a reality? I dunno about you, but if I see a big headed mouse walking on it's hind legs down the street, I'm gonna run.

Well I think so Brain, but if they called them sad meals the kids wouldn't buy them.

Don't try this with sharks...

Wasn't this the plot of some (bad) horror movie recently released -- they genetically increased the intelligence of some sharks and the sharks all became Einsteins and killed everyone?

When will we learn.

Pinky and the Brain notwithstanding. . .

. . .increased intelligence is a worthy goal. I guess the REAL questions are:

1. How easy is it to insert the gene ? (i.e. can you write it in with an administered retrovirus, can you distribute that retrovirus in a stable, preferably shelf-stable form, and how cheap/expensive will it be to do so ?)
2. Does the gene work in humans, and if so, how well ??? After all, if it doesn't work in people, then it's merely spinning wheels as far as we're concerned. (Side question: what has the Human Genome Project learned about this gene ???)
3. Are there any bad side effects ??? Increased intelligence may be a wonderful thing, but in ANY system, you can't change just one thing. And if it results in, say, a higher chance of mental illness or cancer or something, chances are that it won't be used. . .

Research Proposal

GRANT PROPOSAL:

I am requesting $4 million in grant money for the purpose of reviewing the effects of genetically-enhanced mice on the biological ecosystem.

To put more fine a point on it (bonus for referencing old slashdot article), I wish to study what happens when mice become smarter than their feline predators.

My research will consist of several hours of reviewing Tom and Jerry cartoons. Sylvester cartoons involving the "giant mouse" (actually a kangaroo) will also be included in the study.

My proposal has already gained support from the Cartoon Network. Johnny Bravo himself has stated, "Well, that sounds like a fine idea you got there, mister."