Researchers develop mouse with 'off switch' in key brain cell population
Thursday, July 28, 2011 - 13:13
in Biology & Nature
NIH-funded scientists have developed a strain of mice with a built-in off switch that can selectively shut down the animals' serotonin-producing cells, which make up a brain network controlling breathing, temperature regulation, and mood. The switch controls only the serotonin-producing cells, and does not affect any other cells in the animal's brains or bodies.