Stanford gets OK to try human cells in mouse brain

[hvn_nbr_2]

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/health/10895548.htm

A Stanford University researcher has gotten a preliminary go-ahead to create a mouse with a significant number of human brain cells -- as long as the creature behaves like a mouse, not a human.

A university ethics committee studied a provocative project that transplants human neurons into the brains of mice where, surprisingly, they settle in and feel right at home.

...

``We concluded that if we see any signs of human brain structures . . . or if the mouse shows human-like behaviors, like improved memory or problem-solving, it's time to stop,'' said law and genetics Professor Henry T. Greely, director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences and leader of the committee.


I think the Mercury News site requires free registration to read the full article. (And I'll bet 90% of you had the same thought I did about putting mouse brain cells in neocons.)

[illflem]

1. Don't want those mice learning how to vote

but wait, judging by last Nov maybe they already know how

[htuttle]

2. I saw this movie -- it starred Cliff Robertson, right?

While both the mouse and the developmentally disabled guy seem to get much smarter for awhile, it eventually wears off.

Sorry for the spoiler.

[Spinzonner]

4. Charly

based upon "Flowers for Algernon"

[VegasWolf]

3. And after two weeks they passed the IQ of pickup truck driving Republicans

with mohawks!

[Spinzonner]

5. "Here I come to save the day"

http://www.toonopedia.com/mightym.htm

[phusion]

6. Be careful with this...

This could get out of control. Super-mice breeding out of control and eventually establishing their own republic of Miceastan.

We might have to invade a few years down the road.

[Sequoia]

10. Wow, suddenly "The Nutcracker" has taken on a new meaning!

Like, that Rat King had too many human brain cells and he could do ballet too. Wow, just wow! Sure beats a lousy wooden nutcracker. I don't think there are any plans to implant human cells in nutcrackers yet.

[VegasWolf]

7. They are desperately searching for a replacement for bush's brain.n/t

[mutus_frutex]

8. I truly don't understand why there is an "ethical" need to stop.

I mean, what could happen? And if the possibility exist, won't other researchers do it at some point?

I don't get it. But of course, this is probably related with the fact that I don't see any problem with human cloning.. either.. :-)

[Spinzonner]

9. Hope they name the new species for Douglas Adams