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Researchers Find Gene to Control `Bonding Behavior' in Mice.

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News, August, 1999 by Krieger, Lisa M.

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Aug. 19 -- Through genetic tinkering, scientists have turned philandering male mice into creatures of solid family values and tenderness, devoted to their mates.

It is the first time that complex social behavior has been altered by changing the contents of a single gene, researchers at Emory University report Thursday in the journal Nature.

Psychiatrist Tom Insel and molecular biologist Larry Young of Emory's Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center spliced a strand of DNA from a monogamous rodent into its polygamous cousin -- and succeeded in transforming the cellular landscape of the animal's brain and its behavior, as well.

"What is really intriguing about this," said Insel, "is that a change of...

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