http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/mice/ The mouse. What have researchers learned from obese mice, anxious mice and cancer-resistant mice? Read research using mouse models of disease. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/mice/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123702.htm Scientists have found a fundamentally new mechanism how our defense system is ramped up when facing a viral intruder. Exploitation of this mechanism in vaccines sparks new hope for better prevention and therapy of infectious diseases and cancer. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121844.htm A novel approach in the study of the development of mammalian embryos has just been developed. The research enables scientists to view critical aspects of embryonic development which was previously unobservable. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214121844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185643.htm Cancer cells can undergo unchecked proliferation, producing self-antigens that are tolerated by the immune system, rather than being targeted for destruction. At the opposite extreme, autoimmune disorders can result when healthy cells in the body are misidentified as hazards. Researchers now examine how CD8 T cells -- critical weapons in the body's defensive arsenal -- are regulated when they transition from this tolerant state to an activated state and back. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185115.htm Breast cancer stem cells are thought to be the sole source of tumor recurrence and are known to be resistant to radiation therapy and don’t respond well to chemotherapy. Researchers report for the first time that radiation treatment -- despite killing half of all tumor cells during every treatment -- transforms other cancer cells into treatment-resistant breast cancer stem cells. Researchers stressed that breast cancer patients should not be alarmed by the study findings and should continue to undergo radiation if recommended by their oncologists. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210105859.htm Curcumin, an active component of the Indian curry spice turmeric, may help slow down tumor growth in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy, a new study suggests. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210105859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172812.htm A neuropeptide called Substance P is the cause of seizures in patients with brains infected by the pork tapeworm. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209144005.htm Neuroscientists have made a dramatic breakthrough in their efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The use of a drug appears to quickly reverse the pathological, cognitive and memory deficits caused by the onset of Alzheimer's in mice. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209144005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208152342.htm DNA sequences from tumor cells can be used to direct the immune system to attack cancer, according to scientists. The immune system relies on an intricate network of alarm bells, targets and safety brakes to determine when and what to attack. The new results suggest that scientists may now be able to combine DNA sequencing data with their knowledge of the triggers and targets that set off immune alarms to more precisely develop vaccines and other immunotherapies for cancer. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208152342.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208133029.htm Biologists have found new evidence of why mice, people and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of varieties of genes to make immune-system proteins named MHCs -- even though some of those genes make vertebrate animals susceptible to infections and to autoimmune diseases. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208133029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121808.htm Biologists have found new evidence for why mice, people and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of varieties of genes to make immune-system proteins named MHCs -- even though some of those genes make us sick. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206154116.htm When a researcher set out to study a chemical in male mouse urine called MTMT that attracts female mice, he didn't think he would stumble into a new field of study. But the research has led scientists to the discovery that it's the copper in our bodies that makes mammals recoil from sulfur chemical smells. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206154116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206143944.htm Researchers have determined that an adult stem cell present in muscle is responsive to exercise, a discovery that may provide a link between exercise and muscle health. The findings could lead to new therapeutic techniques using these cells to rehabilitate injured muscle and prevent or restore muscle loss with age. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206143944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122456.htm Scientists have for the first time made finest details of nerve cells in the brain of a living mouse visible. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206122456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203090813.htm A 'gatekeeper' protein plays a critical role in helping immune cells to sound a warning after encountering signs of tumor growth or infection, researchers report. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203090813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092316.htm In an animal study, researchers found that decaffeinated coffee may improve glucose utilization in the brain, reducing the risk for Type 2 diabetes and the brain dysfunction associated with some neurological disorders. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121851.htm Could some cases of asthma actually be caused by an allergic reaction to a common environmental bacteria? New research findings suggests that this idea may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131121851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171909.htm Scientists have for the first time measured how fast large-scale evolution can occur in mammals, showing it takes 24 million generations for a mouse-sized animal to evolve to the size of an elephant. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171907.htm Mouse skin cells can be converted directly into cells that become the three main parts of the nervous system, according to researchers. The finding is an extension of a previous study by the same group showing that mouse and human skin cells can be directly converted into functional neurons. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140939.htm In both cell lines and mouse models, grape seed extract kills head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed, new research shows. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126100633.htm It comes as a surprise to many that male house mice produce melodious songs to attract mates.  Unfortunately for us, because the melodies are in the ultra-sonic range human ears cannot detect them.  Through spectrographic analyses of the vocalizations of wild house mice, researchers have found that the songs of male mice contain signals of individuality and kinship.  Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126100633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172319.htm Tumor-targeted bioluminescent bacteria have been shown for the first time to provide accurate 3-D images of tumors in mice, further advancing the potential for targeted cancer drug delivery. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134429.htm A molecule embedded in the membrane of human liver cells that aids in cholesterol absorption also allows the entry of hepatitis C virus, the first step in hepatitis C infection, according to new research. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123163131.htm Scientists have garnered new insights into how probiotic bacteria provide positive health benefits. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123163131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102915.htm A diet supplemented with a specific probiotic bacterial strain increases the lifespan of mice. The mammalian gut is home to hundreds of bacterial species that contribute to food digestion and, in some cases, inflammatory gut diseases. Probiotics, beneficial bacterial species, can enhance gut health by keeping the resident bacteria in check. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143330.htm Researchers have discovered that manganese, an element commonly found in nature, might provide a way to neutralize the potentially lethal effects Shiga toxin. New results could pave the way for future research aimed at creating an inexpensive treatment for infections caused by bacteria that produce the Shiga toxin. Currently there is no treatment for such infections that afflict more than 150 million people each year, resulting in more than one million deaths worldwide. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118155338.htm Dogs with spinal cord injuries may soon benefit from an experimental drug currently being tested by researchers — work that they hope will one day help people with similar injuries. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118155338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112142303.htm A recent study found that the chlorophyll in green vegetables offers protection against cancer when tested against the modest carcinogen exposure levels most likely to be found in the environment. However, chlorophyll actually increases the number of tumors at very high carcinogen exposure levels. The research raises serious questions about whether traditional lab studies done with mice and high levels of toxic exposure are providing accurate answers to what is a real health risk, what isn't, and what dietary or pharmaceutical approaches are useful. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112142303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133520.htm Scientists have isolated a natural hormone from muscle cells that triggers some of the key health benefits of exercise. The hormone, named irisin, switches on genes that convert white fat into "good" brown fat. The researchers call irisin a highly promising candidate for development as a novel treatment for diabetes, obesity and perhaps other disorders, including cancer. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110192721.htm Intestinal worm infections may not be all bad, according to a new study. In research on mice immune reaction to the presence of intestinal worms was found to promote wound healing in the lungs. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110192721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151247.htm Biologists have discovered a new primate species in the Sahafina Forest in eastern Madagascar, a forest that has not been studied before. The name of the new species is Gerp’s mouse lemur (Microcebus gerpi). Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120107151247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105164740.htm Scientists have shed new light on how early embryonic stem cells develop and take part in formation of the primate species. The research has also resulted in the first successful birth of chimeric monkeys -- monkeys developed from stem cells taken from two separate embryos. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105164740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131641.htm Researchers have produced the world's first chimeric monkeys. The bodies of these monkeys are composed of a mixture of cells representing as many as six distinct genomes. The advance holds great potential for future research as chimeric animals had been largely restricted to mice. The report also suggests there may be limits to the use of cultured embryonic stem cells. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131552.htm Researchers have published an innovative study on the role of Cbx proteins in the genetic regulation of embryonic stem cells. The study revealed that changes in the expression of specific Polycomb group proteins modulate the function of the Polycomb complex during both embryonic stem cell differentiation and tumorigenesis. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103185250.htm Researchers have identified a gene that is required for proper development of the mouse inner ear. In humans, this gene, known as FGF20, is located in a portion of the genome that has been associated with inherited deafness in otherwise healthy families. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103185250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165039.htm Hydrogen sulfide, a noxious gas that smells like rotten eggs, may have beneficial effects in the kidney. Researchers found that this gas diminishes high glucose-induced production of scarring proteins in kidney cells. Considerable work remains to be done before studies can move to animal models. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135131.htm Mice bred to age too quickly seemed to have sipped from the fountain of youth after scientists injected them with stem cell-like progenitor cells derived from the muscle of young, healthy animals. Instead of becoming infirm and dying early as untreated mice did, animals that got the stem/progenitor cells improved their health and lived two to three times longer than expected. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222103112.htm A compound produced from fish oil that appears to target leukemia stem cells could lead to a cure for the disease, according to researchers. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222103112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220102536.htm Researchers have found out why the African naked mole-rat, one of the world's most unusual mammals, feels no pain when exposed to acid. The animals have an altered ion channel in their pain receptors that is inactivated by acid and makes the animals insensitive to this type of pain. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220102536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190237.htm Chronic infections by viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C eventually take hold because they wear the immune system out, a phenomenon immunologists describe as exhaustion. Yet exhausted immune cells can be revived after the introduction of fresh cells that act like coaches giving a pep talk, researchers have found. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213092140.htm Throughout the interior spaces of humans and other warm-blooded creatures is a special type of tissue known as brown fat, which may hold the secret to diets and weight-loss programs of the future. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213092140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124608.htm Researchers have discovered how malaria manipulates the immune system to allow the parasite to persist in the bloodstream. By rescuing this immune system pathway, the research team was able to cure mice of bloodstream malaria infections. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124555.htm A line of laboratory mice drinks more alcohol than other animal models and consumes it in a fashion similar to humans: choosing alcohol over other options and binge drinking. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142017.htm The emotions of rats and mice and the mental infrastructure behind them promise to illuminate the nature of human emotions, including empathy and nurturance, a neuroscientist says. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101756.htm Scientists have discovered that an antigen common to most influenza viruses, and commonly referred to as matrix protein 2, when administered under the tongue could protect mice against experimental infection caused by various influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic avian H5 virus and the pandemic H1 virus. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205170213.htm Researchers have demonstrated a new imaging tool for tracking structures called carbon nanotubes in living cells and the bloodstream, which could aid efforts to perfect their use in biomedical research and clinical medicine. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205170213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205170051.htm Researchers have made progress toward a vaccine against the deadly Ebola virus. They have demonstrated that a plant-derived vaccine for Ebola provided strong immunological protection in a mouse model. If early efforts bear fruit, an Ebola vaccine could be stockpiled for use in the United States, should the country fall victim to a natural outbreak or a bioterrorism event in which a weaponized strain of the virus were unleashed on soldiers or the public. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205170051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125151.htm Tweaking the levels of factors used during the reprogramming of adult cells into induced pluriopotent stem (iPS) cells can greatly affect the quality of the resulting iPS cells, according to researchers. This finding explains at least in part the wide variation in quality and fidelity of iPS cells created through different reprogramming methods. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125147.htm A war is being waged in the pancreases of millions of people throughout the world. The siege leads to the development of Type 1 diabetes and has been a battlefield largely hidden from view -- until now. Researchers have created the first cellular movies showing the destruction underlying Type 1 diabetes in real-time in mouse models. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125025.htm A key protein that controls how the deadly plant poison and bioweapon ricin kills, has finally been identified. The discovery was made using a revolutionary technology that combines stem cell biology and modern screening methods. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130141851.htm Researchers have been studying a group of potent antibodies that have the ability to neutralize HIV in the lab; Their hope is to create a vaccine that makes antibodies with similar properties. Now, biologists have taken one step closer to that goal: They have developed a way to deliver these antibodies to mice and, in so doing, have effectively protected them from HIV infection. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130141851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120112.htm New research describes how by using magnetic resonance imaging and nanoparticle technology, scientists can monitor the growth of laboratory-engineered blood vessels after implantation in patients. This is an important step toward ensuring that blood vessels, and tissues engineered from a patient's own biological material, are taking hold and working as expected. This is the first method for monitoring the growth and progress of engineered tissues once they are implanted. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100455.htm Here's another reason why "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." New research shows oral ingestion of apple polyphenols suppresses T cell activation to prevent colitis in mice. This study is the first demonstrating a role for T cells in polyphenol-mediated protection against autoimmune disease possibly leading to treatments for people with disorders from bowel inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112343.htm Scientists have regenerated functional muscle tissue in mice, opening the door for a new clinical therapy for major muscle trauma. The team used a novel protocol to coax human muscle cells into a stem cell-like state and grew the reprogrammed cells on biopolymer microthreads. Surprisingly, the microthreads seemed to accelerate the regeneration process by recruiting progenitor mouse muscle cells, suggesting that they alone could become a therapeutic tool. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125161023.htm Small numbers of properly selected neurons, transplanted into damaged brain areas in mice, are capable of restoring lost functions. Experiments on mice with a defect resulting in obesity and a series of measurements documenting efficiency of the neuron transplant method have now been carried out. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125161023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111124150837.htm Scientists have rebuilt genetically diseased circuitry in a section of the mouse hypothalamus, an area controlling obesity and energy balance, demonstrating that complex and intricately wired circuitry of the brain long considered incapable of cellular repair can be rewired with the right type of neuronal "replacement parts." Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111124150837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104509.htm An international team of scientists has created super-strong, high-endurance mice and worms by suppressing a natural muscle-growth inhibitor, suggesting treatments for age-related or genetics-related muscle degeneration are within reach. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121104509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111120134703.htm Scientists have isolated and analyzed an antibody that neutralizes Sudan virus, a major species of ebolavirus and one of the most dangerous human pathogens. Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111120134703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117163701.htm Scientist have determined for the first time how the bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease manipulates our cells to generate the amino acids it needs to grow and cause infection and inflammation in the lungs. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117163701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117135722.htm Scientists have discovered a family of chemical compounds that could lead to a new generation of antimalarial drugs capable of not only alleviating symptoms but also preventing the deadly disease. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117135722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192905.htm The capsule of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacterium that causes gum disease, provides stealth, boosting the bacterium's virulence, according to new study. Call it a sugar coating, if you will, for in fact, the capsule is made from sugar molecules, which do not ordinarily elicit immunity. Thus it hides the bacterium's proteins within, preventing immune response. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192905.htm