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Of Mice and Men, and a Cure for Colds

Researchers find a way to infect rodents with rhinoviruses

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 4, 2008 9:16 AM CST

(Newser) – Scientists have managed to give a mouse a cold. May not sound like a huge deal, but it is: One reason a cure for the common cold has been so elusive is that until now, only primates have been infected with rhinoviruses, which cause them. Now a team at Imperial College, London, has succeeded in infecting genetically modified mice with rhinoviruses, the Independent reports.

The genetically modified mice will be a boon to cold research because of their accelerated lifespan and the opportunity to see how the virus affects an animal other than a human being. For anyone who objects to scientists giving innocent rodents the sniffles, the lead researcher has a justification ready: "Rhinoviruses are not innocent viruses. They kill people in large numbers from acute asthma attacks and chronic bronchitis and emphysema."

Buck up, little guy - some soup will have you feeling better in no time.
Buck up, little guy - some soup will have you feeling better in no time.   (Phil Date (Shutter Stock))
Could the mouse help scientists make colds a thing of the past?
Could the mouse help scientists make colds a thing of the past?   ((c) trumanlo)
Is his nose always that red, or is it the rhinovirus?  Mice like this are taking one for the team.
Is his nose always that red, or is it the rhinovirus? Mice like this are taking one for the team.   ((c) hthg1983)
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