Fish DNA Makes Limbs Sprout in Mice

The genome of a primitive fish that was once thought to have died when the dinosaurs did has now been sequenced by scientists — and when put into mice, some of the fish DNA caused mice to sprout limbs. The new analysis, described today (April 17) in the journal Nature, could help to reveal how primitive fish swapped their fins for limbs when they moved from land to sea.

I was browsing Yahoo and came across the article. Sounds like a modern Frankenstein experiment. The studies could help explain how four legged creatures, called Tetrapod, evolved. Basically how early land animals evolved limbs to walk.

The fish, called a coelacanth, seems to carry snippets of DNA that can turn on genes that code for forelimbs and hind limbs in mice. The new discovery could shed light on how four-legged creatures, called tetrapods, evolved. "It really is a cornerstone from which we can view tetrapod evolution," said study co-author Chris Amemiya, a geneticist at the Benaroya Research Institute in Seattle, Wash.

Source

Can pictures of the mice that "sprouted limbs" be obtained? I'm curious to see how they look and if they are viable/operable in any way?

reply to post by topdog81


I searched and couldn't find a thing. There is probably a video of a news segment. The only pictures I could find are from the article of the fish.

Somehow, right at this moment, this whole idea disturbs me. Just glad I wasn't born a mouse. If Monsanto can make a robotic Bee, why can't they get smurfing busy and build a robotic mouse so the great human gods can test on that!!!
GGGGRRRRRRR

reply to post by minkmouse


Can you share information about the robotic bee? I read some post on ATS. But I'm skeptical if it is true or not.

I wouldn't mind an extra limb or two. Or even just an extra thumb. Thumbs are completely underrated IMO, and an extra one would be spectacular.

All hail the opposable thumb!

Just think of how much more dextrous and productive people could be.

I saw it same place you did, not sure if it even exists I just get peeved with the way we treat other inhabitants of the planet.

reply to post by minkmouse


I see what you're saying. I dislike people who treat others with disrespect too.
Second line needed.