Scientists Give Mice a Cold

Scientists have been able to give genetically-modified mice a cold!

Discovered some 50 years ago, rhinoviri are thought to be the major cause of the common cold and other respiratory-related illnesses, such as COPD and bronchitis. However, mice seem immune to these viri, and thus no significant advances have been made in the treatment of the common cold.

But genetically-modified rodents can catch the virus, which means scientists can finally work on developing treatments for such illnesses as the common cold and flu, which could effectively end fatal asthma attacks (as most are brought-on by simple infections).

© C Harris Lynn, 2008