http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/rodents/ Rodents in scientific research. Read about rats, hamsters and mice. Learn about mouse allergens, beach mouse habitats, rodent control, lab mice, and the common house mouse. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/rodents/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151449.htm Using novel techniques, a Dutch researcher has cast new light on the replication of coronaviruses, a family of viruses including the cause of SARS. He has shown, using luminescent viruses, how coronaviruses use host cells and how we can use the intracellular processes to attack the virus. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121213.htm What do you get when you cross a mouse with poor hearing and a mouse with even worse hearing? Ironically, a new strain of mice with "golden ears" -- mice that have outstanding hearing as they age. The new mouse hears much like people with "golden ears" -- people who are able to retain great hearing even as they grow older. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152812.htm Despite a 30-year lifespan that gives ample time for cells to grow cancerous, a small rodent species called a naked mole rat has never been found with tumors of any kind -- and now biologists think they know why. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192206.htm One of the many reasons to pick a low-calorie and low-fat diet is that host of epidemiological studies have suggested that such a diet may delay the onset or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Now a study tests the effects of several diets for their effects on Alzheimer's disease pathology. Unexpectedly, the researchers found that a high protein diet apparently led to a smaller brain. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192206.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122647.htm Over-expressing a gene that lets brain cells communicate just a fraction of a second longer makes a smarter rat. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012230536.htm A new mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis closely resembles humans with the paralyzing disorder, researchers report. "As far as we know, this is the first mouse model that recapitulates "typical" ALS to be produced in more than a decade," says the senior author. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012230536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093803.htm Human activities have meant invasive species have been able to populate parts of the world to which they are not native and alter biodiversity there over thousands of years. Now, an international team of scientists has studied the impact of the black rat on bird populations on Mediterranean islands. Despite the rat's environmental impact, only the tiny European storm petrel has been affected over time by its enforced cohabitation with the rat. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909124129.htm A biologist has discovered a new species of giant rat on a filmmaking expedition to a remote rainforest in New Guinea. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909124129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165059.htm Using a finding that the genetic complexity of tumors in mice parallels that in humans, researchers are starting trial studies in mice, just like human clinical trials, to evaluate whether understanding tumor diversity can improve cancer treatment. Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819064020.htm New tools are now available for generating specifically targeted genetic mutations in bacteria, mammalian cells and mice. The new recombinase, Dre, is similar to its predecessor, Cre, but targets unique sites within DNA for recombination. It may be used in combination with currently available methods to produce more complex mouse models to understand disease. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819064020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110114.htm Current research suggests that viral polymerase may provide a new therapeutic target for host-adapted avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a strain of the influenza virus that has adapted to infect birds. Although bird-specific flu strains rarely cross species, further adaption can lead to lethal infection in humans. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152550.htm Researchers have shown definitively that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease. Until now, two theories about the role mutations play in prion diseases have been at odds. Deciphering the origins of prion diseases could help farmers and policy-makers determine how best to control a prion disease outbreak in livestock and to prevent prion transmission to humans. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812145024.htm Researchers have gained new understanding of the role hyaluronic acid plays in skeletal growth, chondrocyte maturation and joint formation in developing limbs. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812145024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173112.htm Sirtuin proteins promote longevity in many organisms. Increased expression of one sirtuin protein, SIRT3, has been linked to increased human lifespan. New data, indicate that Sirt3 helps protect the mouse heart by increasing the expression of anti-oxidant proteins in heart muscle cells, thereby reducing levels of damaging oxidants. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729132109.htm Researchers have shown that they can engineer mouse and human cells to produce brown fat, a natural energy-burning type of fat that counteracts obesity. If such a strategy can be developed for use in people, the scientists say, it could open a novel approach to treating obesity and diabetes. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729132109.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723142046.htm Scientists report an important advance in the characterization of reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs. Researchers used established methods to reprogram mouse cells to isolate five new iPSC lines, and then found that, using one of these lines, they were able to make by tetraploid complementation embryos that survived until birth, and one embryo that also survived to adulthood. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723142046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721122843.htm Mothers' health in the days and weeks prior to becoming pregnant may determine the health of offspring much later in life, according to new research. The studies demonstrate that maternal nutrition, protein intake and level of fat in the diet may cause epigenetic changes in the developing fetus that can have long-term health consequences. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721122843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090710170109.htm The secret to longevity may lie in an enzyme with the ability to promote a robust immune system into old age by maintaining the function of the thymus throughout life, according to researchers studying an "anti-aging" mouse model that lives longer than a typical mouse. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090710170109.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709140810.htm In a new study that could transform embryonic stem cell (ES cell) research, scientists have discovered why mouse ES cells can be easily grown in a laboratory while other mammalian ES cells are difficult, if not impossible, to maintain. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709140810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081120.htm Between the 1932 and 2008 Olympic Games, world record times of the men's 100m sprint improved by 0.6 seconds. Scientists have shown that an equivalent improvement can be achieved in mice by feeding them a diet high in a certain type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091123.htm Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's include digestive and sleep problems, loss of sense of smell and depression. A mouse with a mutation in a gene responsible for packaging neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine reproduces the major non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms. The finding sheds light on nonmotor symptoms' causes and their relationship with the neurodegeneration seen in Parkinson's. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622171401.htm Researchers have identified a protein that helps protect immature mouse sperm from oxidative stress. When male mice over one year old lacking this protein were mated with normal female mice, an increased incidence of miscarriages and fetal developmental defects were observed. These data have clinical relevance, as age-related DNA damage to human sperm is associated with decreased fertility and increased rates of miscarriage and childhood disease. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622171401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624093315.htm Scientists have made a major contribution to understanding human language development. Using a comprehensive screening method, they studied a mouse model carrying a "humanized version" of a key gene associated with human language. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624093315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619124834.htm Researchers suggest that the cell-signaling protein, interferon type 1, reduced H5N1 influenza virus replication in mice and may offer some degree of protection in the early stages of infection.  Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619124834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112331.htm A Japanese research group has successfully generated a novel kinase-dead mutant mouse of the CaMKIIalpha gene that completely and exclusively lacks its kinase activity. They examined hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavioral learning of the mouse, and found a severe deficit. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528120643.htm Mice carrying a "humanized version" of a gene believed to influence speech and language may not actually talk, but they nonetheless do have a lot to say about our evolutionary past, according to a new report. Sun, 31 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528120643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522101924.htm Researchers have gained crucial insight into how mechanosensitivity arises. By measuring electrical impulses in the sensory neurons of mice, neurobiologists and pain researchers were able to directly elucidate, for the first time, the emergence of mechanosensitivity. Thu, 28 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522101924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526202722.htm A new article explores exactly what distinguishes our genome from that of the lab mouse. In the first comprehensive comparison between the genes of mice and humans, scientists reveal that there are more genetic differences between the two species than had been previously thought. Wed, 27 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526202722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526094614.htm In the rat race of life, one thing is certain: there's no place like home. Now, a study finds the same is true for rats. Although inner city rodents appear to roam freely, most form distinct neighborhoods where they spend the majority of their lives. Wed, 27 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526094614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075420.htm Scientists have developed a new mouse model that can be associated with deafness. With this model they succeeded for the first time in showing that microRNA, a new class of genes, influences hearing loss. The respective microRNA seed region influences the production of sensory hair cells in the inner ear, both in the mouse and in humans. This study represents a major step forward in elucidating the common phenomenon of progressive hearing loss, opening up new avenues for treatment. Tue, 05 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427075420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101449.htm Researchers are now able to reprogram human adult skin cells into other cell types in order to decipher the elusive mechanisms underlying reprogramming. To demonstrate their point, they transformed human skin cells into mouse muscle cells and vice versa. Fri, 01 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427121633.htm For decades, microbiologists assumed that macrophages, immune cells that can engulf and poison bacteria and other pathogens, killed microbes by damaging their DNA. A new study disproves that. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090427121633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421142410.htm A new experimental Ebola vaccine is one step closer to realization, having proven its ability to protect against lethal infections in animal models. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421142410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420103740.htm A "humanized mouse" has allowed physician-scientists to conduct HIV/AIDS studies that would have been impossible without such a small animal model of HIV infection. The virus only infects humans and chimpanzees, which are protected as endangered species. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420103740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330142422.htm Just as no two humans are the same, scientists have shown treating mice more as individuals in laboratory testing cuts down on erroneous results and could significantly reduce the cost of drug development. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330142422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326100706.htm For some people it is a certainty: as soon as the annual flu season gets underway, they are sure to go down with it. It is little comfort to know that there are other people who are apparently resistant to flu or overcome the illness after just a couple of days. It is this phenomenon that is now being investigated using various strains of mice. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326100706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323134311.htm A type of brain cell that was long overlooked by researchers embodies one of very few ways in which the human brain differs fundamentally from that of a mouse or rat. Human astrocytes are bigger, faster, and much more complex than those in mice and rats. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323134311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304104248.htm If someone ever calls you a "dirty rat," consider it a compliment. A new discovery shows that cellular mechanisms used by the blind mole rat to survive the very low oxygen environment of its subterranean niche are the same as those that tumors use to thrive deep in our tissues. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304104248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227112303.htm Exciting recent developments in stem cell research have revealed how specialized cells, such as skin cells, can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) that can form all the body's tissues. But the reprogramming techniques currently in use rely on potentially harmful viruses to deliver the reprogramming factors required for this change. Now stem cell scientists report a new and safer way to generate such stem cells. Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227112303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223121502.htm Scientists have proposed brown Norway rats as a new model for plague vaccine development.  Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223121502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211082354.htm The ability to empathize with others is partially determined by genes, according to new research on mice. Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090211082354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128183934.htm The hepatitis C virus is interested in only one thing: human liver cells. That has been one of scientists' greatest frustrations in their efforts to study the virus, and has hampered the development of useful animal models for the disease. But now, in a major leap forward, scientists have identified a protein that allows this uniquely human pathogen to enter mouse cells, a finding that could lead to a vaccine or to new treatments. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128183934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202174652.htm Mice and humans are about equally good at assessing risk in everyday tasks. Perhaps this activity is very primitive -- a basic, cognitive mechanism. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090202174652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090123101224.htm Caloric restriction only benefits obese mice, according to a new study in the Journal of Nutrition. The results suggest that caloric restriction may not be a universally beneficial anti-aging strategy, as commonly believed. Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090123101224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081224215532.htm Researchers have what they think may be a basic recipe for capturing and maintaining indefinitely the most fundamental of embryonic stem cells from essentially any mammal, including cows, pigs and even humans. Two new studies show that a cocktail first demonstrated to work in mice earlier this year, which includes inhibitory chemicals, also can be used to successfully isolate embryonic stem cells from rats. Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081224215532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081215184315.htm Researchers have discovered stem cells in the esophagus of mice that were able to grow into tissue-like structures and when placed into immune-deficient mice were able to form parts of an esophagus lining. Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081215184315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081208180232.htm Neonatal diabetes is a rare form of diabetes that is usually detected within the first six months of life. Approximately 50 percent of cases of neonatal diabetes are caused by mutations in either the KIR6.2 gene or the SUR1 gene. A new article describes the development of a mouse model of neonatal diabetes that the authors believe provides new insight into the human disease. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081208180232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081216104033.htm Human and veterinary medicine could receive a big boost through use of larger animals, especially pigs and dogs, in research. There is the prospect of bringing drugs to the market more quickly at less cost, as well as accelerating progress in other forms of therapy, notably the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081216104033.htm