Scientists at Emory University have created glowing rodents. By implanting the jellyfish fluorescent protein gene into prairie voles, scientists hope to study pair bonding (aka monogamy). The glowing rodents rarely step out on their mate and share human-like social behaviors like shared child raising, mating for life and cuddling.
Scientists have isolated what they suspect is the gene that controls the vole’s impulse to cheat. Glowing rodents won’t stray but non-glowing ones might. In this way researcher can study complex social behavior and mating in rodents that are mostly monogamous.
What's Driving This Trend
- Gene Manipulation
- Gene manipulation techniques can be used to study and manipulate complex social behaviors in animals.
- Social Behavior Research
- Research into social behaviors in animals can provide insights into human relationships and behavior.
- Mating Studies
- Studying the mating behavior of animals can lead to a better understanding of human mating patterns.
Who This Affects Most
- Biotechnology
- Biotechnology companies can utilize gene manipulation techniques to develop new therapies and treatments.
- Animal Behavior Research
- Companies in the animal behavior research industry can provide expertise and services to study and understand complex social behaviors in animals.
- Relationship Counseling
- Relationship counseling professionals can draw insights from research into social behaviors and apply them to human relationships.
