Monday, May 16, 2005

Frankenmouse

A few exerpts from an article I was reading this morning:

In January, an informal ethics committee at Stanford University endorsed a proposal to create mice with brains nearly completely made of human brain cells..."

"... the board was satisfied that the size and shape of the mouse brain would prevent the human cells from creating any traits of humanity. Just in case, Greely said, the committee recommended closely monitoring the mice’s behavior and immediately killing any that display human-like behavior..."


This is both fascinating and disturbing. I am excited about the prospects of curing diseases which have plagued mankind for millenia, yet completely turned off by the line about killing mice which exhibit "human-like behavior."

What, will they hire a guy to watch for the mice to start talking to one another? "Hey Fred, pull my finger!"

Watch for the male mice to start suggesting sex without commitment? See if the females binge shop and get weepy once a month? See if they feel the need to buy a little Minny-van (wink, wink) when they have a family?

What sorts of "human-like behavior" are they looking for? Those words just creep me out.


Link

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2 comments:

OldHorsetailSnake said...

Some of the human-like rats will be watching "Tom & Jerry" Cartoons. The rest will be those unable to find their way out of a maze.

phoenix said...

lmao to all three of you!! Great post!