That's really fascinating. I'd take being blue for a week or even forever if it meant I would be able to continue walking.


In my head, this mouse could be a country song. *insert lyrics about being blue here*

"Fifteen minutes after researchers intentionally paralyzed this rat by dropping a weight on its back, they injected the rodent with Brilliant Blue G dye, a derivative of common food coloring Blue Number One."

They WHAT? Did they consult the rat first? Or was this like some sort of last resort: "Yeah, we tried blowing air up his butt after intentionally locking him in the freezer, but that didn't do anything."

Of course they asked the rat first, he didn't voice any objections. Sheesh, you'd think we were mean to the poor thing without his consent or something.

...

Usually there is a purpose for a test like this. Studies are often conducted on cells or with computer models before live subjects are allowed to be used. There is a whole 'gray' ethics behind it, it's not perfect, but it's not random testing of a million different things just to see what happens either.

the blue did make it cute.....

I want a blue rat! I WANT! I WANT! I WANT!

I agree that there has to be testing to offer advances in medicine but, geezus, can't they figure out a way to do something less painful to the subjects?

Poor thing.

To me, animal testing is a necessary evil. I know we need it but I hate it through and through.

So the choices are...Paralyzed normally pigmented person, or a half paralyzed uncoordinated smurf? Hrmmm...tough choice.

Actually, this could be a treatment regimen for fibromyalgia!

Nerve inflammation and messed up ATP are possible hallmarks for the pain in fibro!

I don't eat a lot of food coloring, in fact, like a lot of people with fibro, I try to eat healthily, lots of fresh fruit and veg, little preservatives and chemicals.

Where can I get some Brilliant Blue G? Slurpees?

Also note that eating a LOT of blue food coloring will give you emerald green poops! Bonus!

I was thinking the same thing. :(