Iceland, Now With Transgenic Mice

Genetically modified mice will soon be imported into Iceland and used to further cancer research, reports RÚV.

The Environment Agency of Iceland has granted the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Iceland a license to import and use genetically modified mice for scientific purposes.

Genetically modified, or transgenic mice have had their genomes altered through the use of genetic engineering techniques and are widely used for medical or scientific research.

Where cancer is concerned, transgenic mice can be developed to carry cloned genes that have the potential to cause cancer. The disease symptoms and potential drugs or treatments can be tested against these transgenic mice.

The transgenic mice pictured above have been altered to express a green fluorescent protein, which glows under blue light. The central mouse is the “control” mouse. The image has been used only to demonstrate how cool science can make mice look, not because they have cancer.