Transgenic Mice Are Radically Transforming Science

New genetic techniques like fluorescent reporter genes, optogenetics and DREADD allow scientist to manipulate the functions of individual cells in live animals.

Figure 1. Sensory neurons and axons in the dorsal root ganglion of a mouse expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Confocal microscope image taken by the author.

Many of my scientists colleagues are thrilled about the new transgenic techniques. Transgenic methods are…