Altered Mouse Turns 136 in Human Years

AP Science via Yahoo ^ | April 12, 2004 | Anon AP Science Stringer

[Pharmboy]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - A dwarf mouse named Yoda has celebrated his fourth birthday, making him the oldest of his kind and far beyond 100 in human years, the University of Michigan Medical School says.

Yoda owes his longevity to genetic modifications that affected his pituitary and thyroid glands and reduced insulin production — and which left him a third smaller than an average mouse and very sensitive to cold.

On the other hand, at the human equivalent of about 136 years, Yoda is still mobile, sexually active and "looking good," said Dr. Richard A. Miller, associate director of research at the school's geriatrics center.

Yoda lives in a carefully maintained lab with roughly 100 other male geriatric mice being used for a lifespan study. An average lab mouse lives slightly more than two years.

Yoda's cage mate, Princess Leia, is a much larger female who uses her body warmth to keep the dwarf mouse from freezing to death.

Researchers are studying the genetic mutants to determine how altered hormone levels can slow the aging process, with the hope of figuring out which methods, if any, eventually could be applied to humans.

___

[Pharmboy]

One hundred and thirty-six and still having sex. I'll take it.

[Paleo Conservative]

But I'd hate to give up height.

[Graymatter]

136? They have to do better than that before I go along with any altering.

[ClearBlueSky]

When 900 years old we reach, be as active we will not!
Yoda and Princess Leia?!?!
At least they're the same species in RL. Thank God Lucas didn't go THERE!

[KnutCase]

I'm 87 and don't need Viagra....so what's the big deal?

[Mathlete]

That beats Mickey Mouse.

[nuconvert]

puny but potent?

[Lokibob]

"and which left him a third smaller than an average mouse and very sensitive to cold.

On the other hand, at the human equivalent of about 136 years, Yoda is still mobile, sexually active and "looking good," said Dr. Richard A. Miller, associate director of research at the school's geriatrics center."

Sounds like Florida to me.

[nuconvert]

To Princess Leia, size doesn't matter.

[Triple Word Score]

I don't know about "sexually active," of course, but I think our waitress tonight was 130.

There's just something wrong about a lady of that age waiting tables...I felt guilty, like I was supposed to get up and help Grandma with that tray....

[Skywalk]

Look at me, judge me, by size do you?

And well you should not, for my ally is reduced insulin production and genetic changes to my pituitary and thyroid glands. ANd a powerful ally it is.

[Pontiac]

Too late to make that choice. You have already been born and your genetic make up is pretty much set in stone.

[freedumb2003]

Altered Mouse Turns 136 in Human Years

Demands Medical, Prescription and Cheese benefits

[Merdoug]

Mr. Jingles

[SwyChron 101]

"Yoda Kerry"? What an unusual name for a mouse that wears an athletic supporter.

Oh, sensitive to cold, so never mind. Wrong mouse.

[bannie]

... a third smaller than an average mouse"

For YEARS I've maintained that shorter people are more energy efficient!!!

HA! I win!

We short folks use less natural resources to sustain the same size soul as you tall folks.

Less food to feed us...
Less material to clothe us...
Less air and water to sustain us...
..and think how much less material it would make to make houses a couple of feet shorter!

:.) I'm so right.

[Slings and Arrows]

Here's the lovely couple. Yoda is on the left.

[Slings and Arrows]

P.S. I could be wrong, but doesn't it look like Yoda's gotten Princess Leia in a family way?

[Pharmboy]

She has a startled look on her face...

[Sacajaweau]

Active....you mean a "little" active.

He has VERY little paws, too.