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November 05, 2007
Mighty Mouse makes Case its home
The mouse of tomorrow has been born in Case Western Reserve University’s research labs. Researchers have found an enzyme that makes mice run faster, live longer and remain healthy.
"They are metabolically similar to Lance Armstrong biking up the Pyrenees; they utilize mainly fatty acids for energy and produce very little lactic acid” says Richard W. Hanson, professor of biochemistry
These “mighty mice” are able to reproduce after one year, which is considered to be “old age” for mice. Researchers have also found that mice with the new enzyme will eat 60 percent more than control mice while remaining more physically fit than the controls. Although researchers wish to continue experimenting with this gene, they understand human applications—at least at this point in time―would be unethical and close to impossible. They hope that these experiments will show the effects of prolonged exercise on other aspects in life.
Related
Check out Case’s undergraduate program in biochemistry.
Posted by sja15 at November 5, 2007 01:36 PM
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