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In an attempt to better understand human irregular heartbeats (or arrhythmias), Japanese and U.S. researchers have genetically engineered mice with glowing hearts. Every time their hearts beat, a green light is emitted. The researchers achieved this result by increasing the concentration of calcium ions within living mouse embryos. “Using this technique, the researchers were able to track the embryo’s developing heart to glean insights into how the heart forms.” It’s not the first time that researchers have used glowing mice, but previous trials were more focused on finding remedies than to understand how the heart starts to beat. But read more…

Originally from Roland Piquepaille's Technology Trends on March 11, 2006, 11:28am